(Links to all documents have been suspended. Contact me directly if you need a document.)
Peace and Summer Love!
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
School's Out for Summer!
Enjoy your summer vacation...and try not to forget everything you learned in 8th grade this year!
(Links to all documents have been suspended. Contact me directly if you need a document.)
Peace and Summer Love!
(Links to all documents have been suspended. Contact me directly if you need a document.)
Peace and Summer Love!
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Clemency Week: Make up your Work with No Penalty!!
My third period class has until Friday, May 3 to make up any missing work they were given notice of missing on Monday, April 29. All documents they might need are posted on the "Class Library Documents" on my Sharepoint (see tab above on the homepage). Students were shown in class how to access these assignments.
My fourth through sixth period classes have until Monday, May 6 to make up work they were notified is missing.
Some of these assignments are VERY tardy work, and I will accept them only during this window—some work is more than a month overdue and may have a HUGE impact on students' overall grade!!
My fourth through sixth period classes have until Monday, May 6 to make up work they were notified is missing.
Some of these assignments are VERY tardy work, and I will accept them only during this window—some work is more than a month overdue and may have a HUGE impact on students' overall grade!!
Exemplar "Popsicle Stick Baseball Stadium" Link
PBL Project Class:
Here is the LINK to the project my son Cameron found in class on Wednesday.
Here is the LINK to the project my son Cameron found in class on Wednesday.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Agenda Week April 29—May 3
This is the last week of EOG testing for students. Monday, April 29, the students will complete the Social Studies portion of the Milestones; Tuesday is the Science section.
This week we will continue to present panel discussions; work in Literature Circles on your groups' short story to prepare the Embedded Assessment 3.1 Summative Panel Presentation. View the assignment HERE.
We will remain on ELT schedules this week, with the exception being that all extended learning time will be spent in Homeroom in order to complete the Project Based Learning Assignment. The schedule is currently as follows:
Monday—Friday April 29—April 30
Testing/PBL Schedule, Morning
8:45—9:15 a.m. HOMEROOM
9:20—11:37 a.m. EOG/Milestones Testing
11: 40—12:43 a.m. ELT/Homeroom/PBL
(12:05—12:23 LUNCH & Return to Homeroom PBL)
In addition to the PBL group assignment, students also have an ancillary English Project based on the "Science of Baseball" PBL.
Assessment due Friday, May 3; assigned on Tuesday, April 23. View the document HERE.
English/Language Arts classes commence each day after PBL/ELT.
This week we will continue to present panel discussions; work in Literature Circles on your groups' short story to prepare the Embedded Assessment 3.1 Summative Panel Presentation. View the assignment HERE.
Assessement(s): Film panel discussions and progressive assignments for preparing Literature Circle short story presentations. Film panel due dates will vary based on group presentation days.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Baseball ELA PBL Assignment—Summative Grade, Due Friday, May 3
1. Choose a current or former Braves player who is NOT currently in the Baseball Hall of Fame (You can’t profile the following players/managers: Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Phil Niekro, John Smoltz)
2. Research that player and make a poster, PPT or Sway to persuade an audience as to why this player should be a future candidate for the Hall of Fame.
Include the following 5 Elements in your project.
1. BIOGRAPHY: The information you present should include the following:
a. Biography: Where is the player born, how old are they? How did they get drafted to Major League Baseball? What other teams have they played for? Where they drafted out of high school? College? How long have they played for the Braves. Here are some places you look for player information:
c. (search by year) http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/history/players.jsp
d. (Below: “All time greats”—but be careful NOT to chose a current Hall of Famer) https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/atlanta-braves-all-time-greats-roster-091216
2. POSITION & STATISTICS: Player Information: What position does this player play? Do they play any alternative positions? What are this player’s statistics? Here are some places you can look for information on statistics.
3. QUOTATIONS: You must include 2 quotes that you highlight and explain why these quotes show how this player, his philosophy of life, the game, or worldview make him a “Hall of Fame” quality player. This means, the quotes should show how this player is not just a good ball player, but a quality human being, too.
a. The first quote should be one that the PLAYER has said
b. The second quote should be one ABOUT the PLAYER
4. IMAGES: you should include at least 2 illustrations or photographs that depict this player. ONE image or illustration must be an action image.
5. PARAGRAPH: Finally, write a paragraph that explains why you chose this player, and why you are nominating them for the Hall of Fame.
Panel Discussion Assignment--Embedded Assessment 3.1
Students, the link below is the the Panel Discussion assignment that is in your SpringBoard book. Please click the link, read the assignment and the rubric, and then answer the questions regarding how will go about developing your discussion with your group.
This is individual work, however. You will be able to discuss this with your groups later.
Please click HERE to access the assignment and rubric.
This is individual work, however. You will be able to discuss this with your groups later.
Please click HERE to access the assignment and rubric.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Agenda for Week April 22-26
Monday, April 22
Students resume EOG testing today with Math Section I from 9:30-11:00 this morning. They will complete the Math EOG for this year tomorrow
ELA: Students will be working on and presenting panel discussions from their Literature Circles, focusing on presentation skills that highlight literary elements setting, character, plot, mood, tone, and theme.
PBL: Students will be working on researching and creating a "Hall of Fame" piece for a current or former member of the Atlanta Braves, who is not already a current inductee.
Tuesday-Friday, April 23-26
Students will finish the 8th-grade Math EOG today from 9:30-11:00 this morning.
Students resume EOG testing today with Math Section I from 9:30-11:00 this morning. They will complete the Math EOG for this year tomorrow
ELA: Students will be working on and presenting panel discussions from their Literature Circles, focusing on presentation skills that highlight literary elements setting, character, plot, mood, tone, and theme.
PBL: Students will be working on researching and creating a "Hall of Fame" piece for a current or former member of the Atlanta Braves, who is not already a current inductee.
Tuesday-Friday, April 23-26
Students will finish the 8th-grade Math EOG today from 9:30-11:00 this morning.
ELA: Students will continue working on and presenting panel discussions from their Literature Circles, focusing on presentation skills that highlight literary elements setting, character, plot, mood, tone, and theme.
PBL: Students will be working on researching and creating a "Hall of Fame" piece for a current or former member of the Atlanta Braves, who is not already a current inductee.
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Agenda for Week April 15-19
This week begins EOG Testing, so schedules will vary daily for the next couple of weeks. Also, the end of this week also marks the closure of the first four weeks of Quarter 4. Therefore, all assignments pertaining to our film study and our panel discussion assignment will be added to grades for the upcoming progress report.
Also remember that your next Daily Reading Log is due this Friday, April 19.
Planned Activities:
Monday: EOG ELA Section 1
Tuesday: EOG ELA Section 2 & 3
Wednesday—Friday: students will have a rotation of extended learning time (ELT) in different classes each day. In ELA, students will be working on their project-based learning (PBL) assignment, “The Science of Baseball.” In ELA, that will be to create a “Hall of Fame” project for one current or former Braves player or manager.
In addition, in regularly scheduled ELA classes, the students will be continuing to focus on this unit’s theme of “finding light in the darkness.” Students will be working in literature circles with unique short stories assigned to each group to complete Embedded Assessment 3.1 (EA 3.1)
Also remember that your next Daily Reading Log is due this Friday, April 19.
Planned Activities:
Monday: EOG ELA Section 1
Tuesday: EOG ELA Section 2 & 3
Wednesday—Friday: students will have a rotation of extended learning time (ELT) in different classes each day. In ELA, students will be working on their project-based learning (PBL) assignment, “The Science of Baseball.” In ELA, that will be to create a “Hall of Fame” project for one current or former Braves player or manager.
In addition, in regularly scheduled ELA classes, the students will be continuing to focus on this unit’s theme of “finding light in the darkness.” Students will be working in literature circles with unique short stories assigned to each group to complete Embedded Assessment 3.1 (EA 3.1)
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Give “Achtung!” to this Week’s Assignments & Read Below for a Chance for $5 Panther Paws
Students in my 4th and 5th periods be sure to turn in your work tomorrow from today’s split so your class work grade will not suffer.
Also: please remember you have Springboard assignments. It was assigned last Monday, April 8, so you've had all week to get it done or out of your textbook. Please review the assignment from the original post HERE under Monday's entry.
It is due either hard copy tomorrow by the end of the school day or you can turn them in Saturday, 4/13, by 6 PM in Springboard Digital (check the "Helpful Links" on the right side of the blog to get to Clever/SpringBoard Digital).
You can also check the Class Documents Library to download a .pdf printable copy of the assignment. However, you will need to bring it to me during Monday morning's Homeroom christi.williams@cobbk12.org
How About Some Panther Paws?
Do you remember what Achtung! means from the film Life is Beautiful? If you know, email me the answer over the weekend or drop it by to me on a note with your name first thing Monday morning during Homeroom!
Also: please remember you have Springboard assignments. It was assigned last Monday, April 8, so you've had all week to get it done or out of your textbook. Please review the assignment from the original post HERE under Monday's entry.
It is due either hard copy tomorrow by the end of the school day or you can turn them in Saturday, 4/13, by 6 PM in Springboard Digital (check the "Helpful Links" on the right side of the blog to get to Clever/SpringBoard Digital).
You can also check the Class Documents Library to download a .pdf printable copy of the assignment. However, you will need to bring it to me during Monday morning's Homeroom christi.williams@cobbk12.org
How About Some Panther Paws?
Do you remember what Achtung! means from the film Life is Beautiful? If you know, email me the answer over the weekend or drop it by to me on a note with your name first thing Monday morning during Homeroom!
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
How to log-in to Office 365 from Home
It is VERY important that students know how to access the technological tools that CCSD provides to students. As rising high school students, it is even more important that eighth-grade students become familiar and comfortable with navigating these tools. By now, most Floyd students should be well aware of how to do this, but there are some students that need refreshers. Please consult the image attached in this post for instructions. These same instructions and a full library of technology assistance "how-to" videos and guides are available for students and parents on the CCSD website at the following LINK. Please consult these great resources whenever you have questions about digital access to school technology.
Today in the computer lab, I am going over these instructions on how to access Office365 while away from school and can briefly assist those whom are in need while we are there.
You may review the abbreviated version of the instructions for logging-in below, if needed. Click image to enlarge further.
Today in the computer lab, I am going over these instructions on how to access Office365 while away from school and can briefly assist those whom are in need while we are there.
You may review the abbreviated version of the instructions for logging-in below, if needed. Click image to enlarge further.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Adjustments to April 8-12 Agenda
Students, as I mentioned in class today, I will be providing you access to view and work with the Milestones Online Testing Practice Exam and the testing tools during class on Wednesday, April 10. Therefore, we will be making adjustments to the schedule that was previously posted for this week.
Wednesday, April 10: 7th Grade Computer Lab. Finish watching Life is Beautiful. Milestones Practice Test assigned in-class.
*Thursday, April 11: Work in Literature Circles to complete the Life is Beautiful assignment in your Literature Circles. Also, you will need to begin work on the short story for EMBEDDED ASSESSMENT #1 OF UNIT 3.
Assessment: Classwork grade for breaking down the Setting, Character, Plot, and Mood and those relationships to the Unit 3 theme, "Finding Light in Darkness."
Friday, April 12: Working in groups for Embedded Assessment 3.1 Panel Discussion
Assessment: Lit. Circle worksheet, signed by all members of the group, with a statement of your contribution. Each member of the group is required to demonstrate they have added to assignment.
*Note for 4-5th classes on Thursday, April 11: I will be out of class that day. HOWEVER, you are EXPECTED to complete and turn in the Life is Beautiful assignment. I will be available to answer your questions via email during the school day.
Wednesday, April 10: 7th Grade Computer Lab. Finish watching Life is Beautiful. Milestones Practice Test assigned in-class.
*Thursday, April 11: Work in Literature Circles to complete the Life is Beautiful assignment in your Literature Circles. Also, you will need to begin work on the short story for EMBEDDED ASSESSMENT #1 OF UNIT 3.
Assessment: Classwork grade for breaking down the Setting, Character, Plot, and Mood and those relationships to the Unit 3 theme, "Finding Light in Darkness."
Friday, April 12: Working in groups for Embedded Assessment 3.1 Panel Discussion
Assessment: Lit. Circle worksheet, signed by all members of the group, with a statement of your contribution. Each member of the group is required to demonstrate they have added to assignment.
*Note for 4-5th classes on Thursday, April 11: I will be out of class that day. HOWEVER, you are EXPECTED to complete and turn in the Life is Beautiful assignment. I will be available to answer your questions via email during the school day.
Link to Practice Milestones Test
Testing begins Monday, April 15, 2019. I hope to have copies of testing days and schedules posted for you soon. Please bear with me while I get those uploaded.
Please use the link below to start practicing with the digital testing interface on the Ga. DOE website.
Practice EOG Test for students LINK HERE
Please use the link below to start practicing with the digital testing interface on the Ga. DOE website.
Practice EOG Test for students LINK HERE
Monday, April 8, 2019
Week of April 8-12
Welcome back from Spring Break. Hope you all did some relaxing and rejuvenating to get ready for these last weeks of middle school!
Here's the planned agenda; as usual, though, it is subject to change based on schedules and student needs. *Please see post from Tuesday, April 9, where this agenda was later updated and amended.
Monday: Continue the film study of Life is Beautiful, keeping in mind our Essential Question:
Why is it important to learn about past social injustices and crimes against humanity (or animals/environment)? Why is it important to remember them, and how can it affect the decisions we make in the future? How can we make parallels to our own lives when we consider these questions?
Assessment: Movie Viewing Graphic Organizer, due daily.
3rd and 5th Period--MS Forms Assessment: Complete at this link. Due today by 10 p.m., April 8, 2019.
SpringBoard Assessment--Due Saturday, April 13, 6p.m. Use the SpringBoard/Clever link on the sidebar on the right of the blog.
Read excerpt from the Diary of Anne Frank (SpringBoard Activity 3.10). Complete the LC 3.10. In the hard copy book, these activities are pages 205-219. Complete only the grammar exercises in LC 3.10. You can complete it online in SpringBoard; it is already set up for you. OR, you can tear it out of your book and turn it by end of school day, April 12, Friday.
Here's the planned agenda; as usual, though, it is subject to change based on schedules and student needs. *Please see post from Tuesday, April 9, where this agenda was later updated and amended.
Monday: Continue the film study of Life is Beautiful, keeping in mind our Essential Question:
Why is it important to learn about past social injustices and crimes against humanity (or animals/environment)? Why is it important to remember them, and how can it affect the decisions we make in the future? How can we make parallels to our own lives when we consider these questions?
Assessment: Movie Viewing Graphic Organizer, due daily.
3rd and 5th Period--MS Forms Assessment: Complete at this link. Due today by 10 p.m., April 8, 2019.
SpringBoard Assessment--Due Saturday, April 13, 6p.m. Use the SpringBoard/Clever link on the sidebar on the right of the blog.
Read excerpt from the Diary of Anne Frank (SpringBoard Activity 3.10). Complete the LC 3.10. In the hard copy book, these activities are pages 205-219. Complete only the grammar exercises in LC 3.10. You can complete it online in SpringBoard; it is already set up for you. OR, you can tear it out of your book and turn it by end of school day, April 12, Friday.
Tuesday: Continue the film study of Life is Beautiful, keeping in mind our Essential Question:
Why is it important to learn about past social injustices and crimes against humanity (or animals/environment)? Why is it important to remember them, and how can it affect the decisions we make in the future? How can we make parallels to our own lives when we consider these questions?
Assessment: Movie Viewing Graphic Organizer, due daily.
IXL Assignment: (Linked before Tuesday)
Wednesday: Continue the film study of Life is Beautiful, keeping in mind our Essential Question:
Why is it important to learn about past social injustices and crimes against humanity (or animals/environment)? Why is it important to remember them, and how can it affect the decisions we make in the future? How can we make parallels to our own lives when we consider these questions?
Assessment: Movie Viewing Graphic Organizer, due daily.
Thursday:Panel Discussion preparation. Assignments of short stories for Panel Discussion. Reading, notetaking, discussion in Literature Circles.
Assessment: Literature Circle Movie Review to answer the Essential Question as a presentation.
Assessment: Literature Circle Sharing
Friday:Panel Discussion preparation. Assignments of short stories for Panel Discussion. Reading, notetaking, discussion in Literature Circles.
Assessment: Literature Circle Sharing
Sunday, March 31, 2019
IXL Learning/Test Prep
Students! Good news and great Test Practice Resource! IXL is a great program to review and practice for your Milestones and EOG! I will also be monitoring for potential grade point recovery (extra credit). #FLOYDIXL
* Please change your password so other's can't see or disturb your results.
* Please see the letter that is located in the Class Document Library. (Log into Office 365 before clicking link to get auto access to Sharepoint docs).
To access IXL:
On your home computer, please follow these easy steps.
1. Go to http://www.ixl.com/signin/floyd
2. Enter your user name and password, and click "Sign in."
USERNAME: studentid#@floyd For example: 0123456@floyd
PASSWORD: happy
3. Click on any skill to start learning.
Download IXL's free tablet app and sign in using username and password
* Please change your password so other's can't see or disturb your results.
* Please see the letter that is located in the Class Document Library. (Log into Office 365 before clicking link to get auto access to Sharepoint docs).
To access IXL:
On your home computer, please follow these easy steps.
1. Go to http://www.ixl.com/signin/floyd
2. Enter your user name and password, and click "Sign in."
USERNAME: studentid#@floyd For example: 0123456@floyd
PASSWORD: happy
3. Click on any skill to start learning.
Download IXL's free tablet app and sign in using username and password
Post Spring Break Tutoring and Testing
After Spring Break, students return to classes with just six full weeks left in this school year, so please make note of the following to end it with your best work!
Tutoring Schedule Change
Beginning the week school is back in session, April 8, I will be offering tutoring to students on Wednesday mornings only from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
EOG, Milestones & Reading Inventory Tests
Spring Break ushers in the testing season, which is particularly important for 8th grade students. I encourage all students to use the IXL resource to practice and study for test. The link to IXL is on the "Links" list on the right side of the blog. I posted directions for logging into individual student accounts. Please search the hashtag FLOYDIXL on this blog, or see the letter posted in the Class Document Library.
Eighth-graders will take the following tests:
Taking care of your health and well-being step number one in preparing for success!
Tutoring Schedule Change
Beginning the week school is back in session, April 8, I will be offering tutoring to students on Wednesday mornings only from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
EOG, Milestones & Reading Inventory Tests
Spring Break ushers in the testing season, which is particularly important for 8th grade students. I encourage all students to use the IXL resource to practice and study for test. The link to IXL is on the "Links" list on the right side of the blog. I posted directions for logging into individual student accounts. Please search the hashtag FLOYDIXL on this blog, or see the letter posted in the Class Document Library.
 |
| READING :20 MINUTES A DAY IS A MUST!!! |
- EOGs (End of Grade) exams before high school placement.
- Milestones state testing and
- Reading Inventory (RI) to determine Lexile scores for placement in high school classes as well. Eighth-grade students must score minimum of 1010 to be promoted.
Taking care of your health and well-being step number one in preparing for success!
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Grades and Assignments Before Spring Break
1. 3/18 Classwork Allegory Project 1: Issue and Brainstorm
2. 3/19 Classwork Allegory Project 2: Character Development
3. 3/20 Classwork Allegory Project 3: Plot Diagram
4. 3/21 Classwork Allegory Project 4: First Draft Narrative
5. 3/22 Summative Allegory Project : Final Project
6. 3/25 Quiz Allegories & Terrible Things
7. 3/26 Classwork SpringBoard 3.6 –Diction, Euphemism, Connotation
8. 3/27 Classwork SpringBoard 3.11 –"Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
9. 3/28 Classwork Part I: Finding the Theme in Film, Life is Beautiful
10. 3/29 Classwork Quarter 4: Reading Log #1
11. 3/29 Classwork Part II: Finding Theme (Light in the Darkness) in Life is Beautiful
2. 3/19 Classwork Allegory Project 2: Character Development
3. 3/20 Classwork Allegory Project 3: Plot Diagram
4. 3/21 Classwork Allegory Project 4: First Draft Narrative
5. 3/22 Summative Allegory Project : Final Project
6. 3/25 Quiz Allegories & Terrible Things
7. 3/26 Classwork SpringBoard 3.6 –Diction, Euphemism, Connotation
8. 3/27 Classwork SpringBoard 3.11 –"Boy in the Striped Pajamas"
9. 3/28 Classwork Part I: Finding the Theme in Film, Life is Beautiful
10. 3/29 Classwork Quarter 4: Reading Log #1
11. 3/29 Classwork Part II: Finding Theme (Light in the Darkness) in Life is Beautiful
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Week of March 25-29
This week students will be reviewing ideas of social justice and considering the essential question, "Why is it important to study past social injustices and crimes against humanity? More importantly, why is it important that we never forget these past atrocities and injustices? How can the study, remembrance, and discussion of these issues and mistake help guide our decisions in the future? How can understanding and remembering our individual past mistakes help guide our decisions for our own future?
Monday: Students consider how language can be manipulated to disguise injustices:
Vocabulary: euphemism, connotation, denotation
Assessment: Quiz on Allegory and the short story "Terrible Things"
Tuesday: Students work in groups or pairs to understand the terminology used by the Nazi's during the Holocaust.
Vocabulary: propaganda, euphemism, concentration camp, antisemitism, concentration camp, death camp, genocide, persecution, the Final Solutions, etc.
Assessment: Complete all vocabulary in SpringBoard 3.6
Wednesday: Working with setting, character, plot, mood. Tone vs. Mood--What's the difference?
Reading excerpt from Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Assessment: Discussion questions, SpringBoard 3.11
Thursday: Literature Circles and Roles--Tracking setting, character, plot, and mood in preparation for film study: Life is Beautiful
Assessment: Being film study using packet provided in class
Friday: Continue film study of Life is Beautiful
Assessment: Part I of film study graphic organizer
Also Due Today: Quarter 4: Reading Log #1
Monday: Students consider how language can be manipulated to disguise injustices:
Vocabulary: euphemism, connotation, denotation
Assessment: Quiz on Allegory and the short story "Terrible Things"
Tuesday: Students work in groups or pairs to understand the terminology used by the Nazi's during the Holocaust.
Vocabulary: propaganda, euphemism, concentration camp, antisemitism, concentration camp, death camp, genocide, persecution, the Final Solutions, etc.
Assessment: Complete all vocabulary in SpringBoard 3.6
Wednesday: Working with setting, character, plot, mood. Tone vs. Mood--What's the difference?
Reading excerpt from Boy in the Striped Pajamas.
Assessment: Discussion questions, SpringBoard 3.11
Thursday: Literature Circles and Roles--Tracking setting, character, plot, and mood in preparation for film study: Life is Beautiful
Assessment: Being film study using packet provided in class
Friday: Continue film study of Life is Beautiful
Assessment: Part I of film study graphic organizer
Also Due Today: Quarter 4: Reading Log #1
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Mid-Week Reminder for Project Due (3/22)
This is the work students should have completed so far this week. Please come in for tutoring tomorrow 8 a.m. if extra support is needed for this project!
Timeline:
Progress on Allegorical Narrative
•So far you should have completed the
following:
•Chosen you societal issue (3/18)
•Brainstormed 2-3 ideas for your
allegorical children’s book (3/19)
•Made a personality profile for one or
more of the major characters in your story (3/20)
•Plotted your storyline on the “Witch’s
Hat” Diagram and have your narrative down (3/21)
Tomorrow IN
CLASS
YOU
SHOULD BE: Writing Final Draft and constructing Allegorical Narrative book
PROJECT IS DUE FRIDAY 3/22
PROJECT IS DUE FRIDAY 3/22
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Week of March 18-22
Welcome to the last Quarter of the 2018-2019 School Year!
This week students will be working on an Societal Issue Allegorical Narrative Project for the majority of the week. They will be creating a narrative children's book that serves as an allegorical tale to explain important facts of an issue and the possible outcomes that result from the issue.
Students will be graded progressively on this project, meaning that they will work on the project in class, and each day will receive a Classwork grade for that day's component toward completing the project. The Final Project will be a Summative grade.
Monday, March 18: Planning the narrative
Tuesday, March 19: Developing the story
Wednesday, March 20: First Draft of Narrative Due
Thursday, March 21: Final Draft
Friday, March 22: Completed Children's Book
The students should be creative as well as thoughtful in developing their projects!
This week students will be working on an Societal Issue Allegorical Narrative Project for the majority of the week. They will be creating a narrative children's book that serves as an allegorical tale to explain important facts of an issue and the possible outcomes that result from the issue.
Students will be graded progressively on this project, meaning that they will work on the project in class, and each day will receive a Classwork grade for that day's component toward completing the project. The Final Project will be a Summative grade.
Monday, March 18: Planning the narrative
Tuesday, March 19: Developing the story
Wednesday, March 20: First Draft of Narrative Due
Thursday, March 21: Final Draft
Friday, March 22: Completed Children's Book
The students should be creative as well as thoughtful in developing their projects!
Monday, March 11, 2019
To Access Elements of Poetry PPT:
1. On the right side of the blog above the picture, CLICK ON "CLASS DOCUMENT LIBRARY"
2. You will see "Document & Presentations: Sharepoint," CLICK ON THOSE WORDS
3. You will be taken to a list of documents and presentations from class.
4. The "Elements of Poetry" is pinned to the top of the page.
5. Click to open and review terms.
1. On the right side of the blog above the picture, CLICK ON "CLASS DOCUMENT LIBRARY"
2. You will see "Document & Presentations: Sharepoint," CLICK ON THOSE WORDS
3. You will be taken to a list of documents and presentations from class.
4. The "Elements of Poetry" is pinned to the top of the page.
5. Click to open and review terms.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
March 11-15
Activities and Assessments for the Week:
*subject to change based on student needs and pacing
Monday
Major Individual Summative Grade (60%) of overall grade) This has been pushed to Tuesday due to ELA meeting.
Instead students will annotate the poem "Invictus" in their Literature Circles and turn in at the end of class.
Students will receive a project assignment on allegories.
Brief Constructed Response:
Allegories: Characteristics of allegories.
Understand the narratives of the Holocaust
Read excerpt of "Night" in SpringBoard class textbook
Begin reading and analyzing of short story "Terrible Things," and identify the elements of allegories
Teacher will work with each group individually to check and guide their understanding.
Wednesday
Continue to read "Terrible Things"—Work in Literature Circles to identify allegorical elements of this short story as it relates to real world issues. Identify its significance to the theme "Finding Light in Darkness."
Teacher will work with each group individually to check and guide their understanding.
Thursday
Literature Circle presents its inital discussions about "Terrible Things"
Review of poetic elements and allegorical characteristics
Friday
Summative Test (60% of overall grade)
Major Test covering:
*subject to change based on student needs and pacing
Monday
Major Individual Summative Grade (60%) of overall grade) This has been pushed to Tuesday due to ELA meeting.
Instead students will annotate the poem "Invictus" in their Literature Circles and turn in at the end of class.
Students will receive a project assignment on allegories.
Brief Constructed Response:
- Paired reading analysis of two poems the students studied last week.
- Identify and compare/contrast the themes of the poems
- Constructed Writing Prompt:
- Write a response covering the poetic devices and themes of the "cold reading" poem to that of the poem we read last week—"An Obstacle."
- Compare similarities of the themes in both poems; identify the differences between the poems using academic language.
Allegories: Characteristics of allegories.
Understand the narratives of the Holocaust
Read excerpt of "Night" in SpringBoard class textbook
Begin reading and analyzing of short story "Terrible Things," and identify the elements of allegories
Teacher will work with each group individually to check and guide their understanding.
Wednesday
Continue to read "Terrible Things"—Work in Literature Circles to identify allegorical elements of this short story as it relates to real world issues. Identify its significance to the theme "Finding Light in Darkness."
Teacher will work with each group individually to check and guide their understanding.
Thursday
Literature Circle presents its inital discussions about "Terrible Things"
Review of poetic elements and allegorical characteristics
Friday
Summative Test (60% of overall grade)
Major Test covering:
- Poetic Devices
- Characteristics of Allegories
- Purpose of Literature Circles
- Identify elements of Unit 3 Embedded Assessment 3.1
- Brief Constructed Response over two poems—cold reading—compare and contrast the poems' themes and poetic devices.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Final Date Summative Essay from Unit 2
The Argumentative Essay the students did in the last unit was due on February 15. Students were told that if they didn't like the grade they earned, they could revise their essay, and the final deadline was today, March 8. The students had an opportunity to work on the essay two more times after the due date in the computer lab and submit the essay through SpringBoard Revision Assistant. They have until midnight tonight (March 8) to submit their final essays, along with their in-text citations, and annotated bibliography. All these requirements and the rubric were provide to students three weeks ago, along with a checklist.
Monday, March 4, 2019
March 4—8, 2019
Monday:
Computer Lab for opportunity to work on Revisions of E.A. 2.2 (Argumentative Essay)
Write your own example of one of the poetic elements
Prepare for Elements of Poetry Quiz
Tuesday:
Literature Circles and Member Roles: SpringBoard
Practice Literature Circle Participation with Paired Poetry
Analyze "The Obstacle" poem (due today)
Elements of Poetry Quiz (Moved to Friday, March 8)
Wednesday:
Business Lab: Opportunity to Revision Embedded Assessment:
E.A. 2.2--Argumentative Essay on Debatable Topic
**Last day to turn in or make final revisions 3/8/2019
Thursday:
Review "An Obstacle"--poem assigned Tuesday
Work in Literature Groups to review poem
Computer Lab for opportunity to work on Revisions of E.A. 2.2 (Argumentative Essay)
Write your own example of one of the poetic elements
Prepare for Elements of Poetry Quiz
Tuesday:
Literature Circles and Member Roles: SpringBoard
Practice Literature Circle Participation with Paired Poetry
Analyze "The Obstacle" poem (due today)
Elements of Poetry Quiz (Moved to Friday, March 8)
Wednesday:
Business Lab: Opportunity to Revision Embedded Assessment:
E.A. 2.2--Argumentative Essay on Debatable Topic
**Last day to turn in or make final revisions 3/8/2019
Thursday:
Review "An Obstacle"--poem assigned Tuesday
Work in Literature Groups to review poem
Paired poem "Invictus" will be use on Monday's Brief Constructed Essay which a SUMMATIVE GRADE (60% of total grade).
Friday:
Students finished annotating "An Obstacle." That assignment was turned in today for a Classwork grade. Students were informed, as they were Thursday, that Monday was going to be a SUMMATIVE GRADE for a paired poem analysis with "An Obstacle" and another poem.
Friday:
Students finished annotating "An Obstacle." That assignment was turned in today for a Classwork grade. Students were informed, as they were Thursday, that Monday was going to be a SUMMATIVE GRADE for a paired poem analysis with "An Obstacle" and another poem.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Summative Assessment Week of March 4 (60% of overall grade!)
REMEMBER: Students have been working on Elements of Poetry this week. They have read the poem "Mother to Son," by Langston Hughes. Last week they were analyzing this poem in preparation for a reading of a "paired reading" summative assessment next week. They will be analyzing two new poems next week and writing a response to the poem using the elements and homework they should have been practicing in their poetry packets the week of February 24.
*Quiz: Elements of Poetry, Theme, and Literature Circles with Construction Response upcoming! Please study the elements of poetic devices PPT, which is pinned at the top of the "Class Document Libraray" page.
ALSO: Friday, March 8, is the last day to submit or resubmit your EA 2.2 essay through Revision Assistant in SpringBoard Digital. See the "Links" list on the right column to login to Clever and SpringBoard Digital.
***Come in for tutoring on Tues. or Thurs. from 8—8:45 a.m. for help if you need it.
*This assessment has been postponed until Monday, March 11.
*Quiz: Elements of Poetry, Theme, and Literature Circles with Construction Response upcoming! Please study the elements of poetic devices PPT, which is pinned at the top of the "Class Document Libraray" page.
ALSO: Friday, March 8, is the last day to submit or resubmit your EA 2.2 essay through Revision Assistant in SpringBoard Digital. See the "Links" list on the right column to login to Clever and SpringBoard Digital.
***Come in for tutoring on Tues. or Thurs. from 8—8:45 a.m. for help if you need it.
*This assessment has been postponed until Monday, March 11.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
February 25—March 1, 2019
This week we will begin Unit 3 in our SpringBoard text, "The Challenge to Make a Difference." I hope that the argumentative topic you chose to write about in Embedded Assessment (E.A.) 2.2 will be a part of what you use to think about how you can make a difference in the world. *Please see the note at the bottom of post regarding EA 2.2.
At the opening of Unit 3, we plan to start with poetry that
represents different cultures. The student will define poetic devices to use these to develop the themes and meanings in literature. Diverse poetry will be used, including (Black,
White, and Native American works, as well as Latino, Asian
texts). Students will focus on a theme of, “Finding light in the
darkness."
The first Unit 3 Summative Assessment is a panel
discussion (E.A. 3.1).
___________________________________________
The following is the tentative plan, subject to change based
on 8th grade ELA planning.
Objectives for the Week:
1. Define, identify, distinguish various types of poetic devices used in poems as well are narratives
Objectives for the Week:
1. Define, identify, distinguish various types of poetic devices used in poems as well are narratives
2. Determine how to participate in Literature Circles
(LC) and rehearse roles used in productive LCs.
Learning Strategies: Charts and graphic organizers,
previewing, visualization, predictions, close reading, discussion groups, and
summarization.
Monday: 2/25
Define poetic devices
Read an engaging poem; listen for ideas and devices
Select and identify the poetic devices in the poem
Summarize one poetic device (index
paper) from a poem that added to the meaning of
a poem
Assessment:
1. Interactive notebook vocabulary entry organizer;
2. describe one poetic device on "exit ticket"
1. Interactive notebook vocabulary entry organizer;
2. describe one poetic device on "exit ticket"
Tuesday: 2/26
Review Unit 3 themes
Unpack and investigate E.A. 3.1
Describe how people may have experienced "light in the
darkness."
Compare paired poems from different cultures.
Assessment:
1. Unpacking EA 3.1 chart
2. Poetic Device graphic organizer
1. Unpacking EA 3.1 chart
2. Poetic Device graphic organizer
Wednesday: 2/27
Define procedures of Literature Circles
Investigate and rehearse how to participate in effective
Literature Circles.
Assessment: Complete SpringBoard Activity 3.3
in class.
RE-QUIZ ON ARGUMENTATIVE ELEMENTS
Practice on QUIZLET Quizlet: Argumentation Vocabulary
RE-QUIZ ON ARGUMENTATIVE ELEMENTS
Practice on QUIZLET Quizlet: Argumentation Vocabulary
Thursday: 2/28
Explore culturally paired poems
Compare poetic devices
Find main ideas
Analyze and draw conclusions about theme
Assessment:
1. Literature Circle participation;
1. Literature Circle participation;
2. Interactive Notebook Entry: Quick Write:
A. Expand on the statement of theme by providing your own analysis.
B. Provide textual evidence to support your analysis from the poems
(the "text").
Friday: 3/1
Read, identify, distinguish, and write
about poetic devices in an individual assignment.
Assessment: SUMMATIVE TEST (60% of grade) to determine students' mastery of the week's
objectives. Reading a new poem in class, analyzing, and writing a response to the poem, based on the Elements of Poetry we have been learning in class this week.
*I realize that some of you have work to do polishing
your E.A. 2.2. You will need to finish all of the work on your
essay following by no later than March 1 (Edit: This time was postponed to give them another week. Final essay due March 8.) There will be a late penalty,
since all of the students had weeks to plan, research, and write your essay. Please
come in for tutoring on Tuesday or Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. for any
assistance.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Edmodo Blog 2/10/2019
Here is the original blog entry for Feb. 10, 2019. You may view it in the image below, or link to the following to see the entry on Edmodo. Contact me for the passcode if Edmodo requires.
