Wednesday--9/30/09

IN CLASS:
During hours 2, 5, 6, we viewed a powerpoint presentation of spirit bears and their habitat. They actually are real animals that exist off the coast of British Columbia. (Circle Justice is actually real as well. I am looking for a speaker to tell us more about Circle Justice. If anyone knows something involved in the process, please let me know). After that, students finished chapter 7. Then we read chapter 8 together as it is a pivotal (or turning) point in the story. Students got a set of questions to answer IN COMPLETE SENTENCES on chapter 8. Click here to print the worksheet.

Hours 7, 8 continued working with the idea of symbolism today. In small groups, students made a visual representation of the different concepts the same symbol could represent. For example, the spear Cole makes to attack the bear could represent his anger and power. However, it can also represent his ignorance and fear. Students then need to take the ideas from their posters (which many did not finish since sometimes we do more talking than working in small groups) and write a well constructed paragraph contrasting the two representations of the symbol.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Hours 2, 5, 6--Answer questions on chapter 8 IN COMPLETE SENTENCES (due tomorrow) Click here to print the worksheet.

• Hours 7, 8--read chapters 14-19, write a paragraph contrasting the two representations of the symbol (both due Friday)

Tuesday--9/29/09

IN CLASS:
Today in class we talked about symbolism in Touching Spirit Bear. Hours 2, 5, 6 received symbolism charts and begin searching for direct quotations and writing explanations for the symbols. Then we started reading chapter 7.

Hours 7, 8 should have had their charts partially finished, though since many students did not, we had to take class time to work on them. Students who had done the work in advance as expected worked with partners to develop their ideas into more carefully crafted paragraphs.

ASSIGNMENT:
none.

Monday 9/28/09

IN CLASS:
Today in class students took the vocabulary quiz for unit 2. Then we did a little recap over what they learned/did with Ms. Albinson in class on Friday.

ASSIGNMENT:
none.

Friday--9/25/09

I'm writing today's blog from the Fort Green neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. My brother is getting married this afternoon, so my family is busy preparing for the festivities! I hope open house went well last night. For any parents who would like to meet with me, please let me know. I will happily set up a time with you.

Today, students will be enjoying the instructive prowess of former St. Louis Park Junior High language arts teacher, Pam Albinson. I don't know what she was planning for them, but I guarantee it will be an excellent day. Pam is an amazing teacher, and I look forward to hearing about the day from students when I am back on Monday!

Thursday--9/24/09

IN CLASS:

Today we had a short comprehension quiz over chapters 1-5 in Touching Spirit Bear. Students used the clickers to enter their responses so it was quick and very simple! After that hours 2, 5, 6 read chapter 6 together. Hours 7, 8 read chapters 6-7 on their own or with partners.

ASSIGNMENT:

• All classes have a vocabulary quiz on Monday. Remember to review over the weekend.
• HOURS 7, 8--Read TSB through chapter 13 (end of part 1)

Wednesday--9/23/09

IN CLASS:
Today in class we started studying root words (with a short tutorial in root vegetables to start it off. Surprisingly, no one is as big of a fan of beets as I am). Roots are a basic building block in the English language, so it only makes sense that we start building our vocabularies there. After that we checked the week's vocab assignment. After that, in hours 2, 5, 6, we read chapter 5 in Touching Spirit Bear.

I also made students aware of the face that I will not be at school on Friday, Sept. 25th, so the vocabulary quiz scheduled for that day will be postponed until Monday, Sept. 28th. I warned students not to forget about reviewing over the weekend.

A note for parents: I will also not be at Open House on Thursday evening. My brother is getting married in New York City on Friday afternoon, so I will be headed to the East Coast tomorrow afternoon. If you would like to meet with me, please let me know, and I would be more than happy to set up a time with you. Otherwise, I will look forward to meeting you at conferences in October!

ASSIGNMENT:
none.

Tuesday--9/22/09

IN CLASS:
Today students completed an assessment over the Critical Response questions we've been working on this week. Using a paragraph in the text, students answered a question about the main character's motivation toward destructive behavior. In their answers, I'm looking for clear topics, explanations, and appropriate usage of direct quotations. After they finished the assessment, students read chapter 4 (in hours 2, 5, 6) or chapters 4 & 5 (in hours 7, 8).

ASSIGNMENT:
Vocab Lesson 2 due tomorrow

Monday--9/21/09

IN CLASS:
Today in class we returned to the idea of critical response. Students got some more practice working on these type of questions. This will serve us well when we start writing an essay on Touching Spirit Bear. Students practiced one response in small groups, and then we created a solid class answer on the board. They get one more practice done solo in class before they will produce an answer to be turned in (tomorrow during class).

ASSIGNMENT:

• None for tomorrow.
• Vocab 2 is due WEDNESDAY, Sept. 23

VOCAB LESSON 2 LINK

I'm trying to figure out how to post the PDF of the vocab assignment for hours 2, 5, 6.

The packet is available on my webpage (follow the VOCAB! link on the left hand side). Below is a link to a webpage I found where I can post documents for viewing (I think). If you try it and it works--or it doesn't--please let me know!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/19976714/Vocab-Lesson-2

9/18/09

IN CLASS:
Today we began working on CRITICAL RESPONSE, using DIRECT QUOTATIONS in our answers, and the concept of FORMAL writing. We looked at an example together in class. Then we discussed what aspects make for a good answer. On Monday we will begin tackling some critical response questions individually in class.

The latter half of the class was spent on independent reading. Students are expected to bring an independent reading book on Fridays. If they complete this very simple task and spend the allotted time reading, I will give them five free points because I believe independent reading (reading selected by individual students) is a valuable part of language arts. Students who do not remember their book, have to go to their locker or the library and therefore miss valuable reading time will not be awarded the points. Please remind your student to also be reading at home!

ASSIGNMENT:
none. READ SOMETHING!

9/17/09

IN CLASS:
Today in class we finished up Chapter 2. At the end of chapter 2, Cole--the main character-- is overcome by anger and burns down the shelter and supplies that have been put on the island for him (ask your student for more details). Once we finished the chapter, we did some reflective writing on anger and its controlling abilities. Then we moved on to chapter 3 today. We followed along in the books as we listened to the book on CD. The students really loved it. If your child is a resistant reader, this is a great way to get them reading. Check out a book on cd from the library, but also check out the book itself. Then they can listen, follow along, or even read along. It's great practice!

ASSIGNMENT:
None really. Remember to bring independent reading books tomorrow for some free reading time.

9/16/09

IN CLASS:
Today we had just a few very brief book talks to get us rolling on independent reading. I hope all students' books are as interesting as the ones we heard about today! Remember to keep reading outside of class!

After that, we returned to Touching Spirit Bear. Students read either 1) on their own or 2) with their chosen partner. We'll finish up chapter 2 tomorrow and move on to chapter 3.

ASSIGNMENT:
None. But remember, vocab and independent reading are ongoing throughout the year.

9/15/09

IN CLASS:
Today in class we filled in our agendas with the following important dates:

• Vocab Lesson 2 due Wednesday, Sept. 23
• Vocab Quiz 2 is on Friday, Sept. 25

• Thursday, October 1 is an early release day

• Vocab Lesson 3 due Wednesday, October 7
• Vocab Quiz 3 is on Friday, October 9

• No school on Thursday, Oct. 15 & Friday Oct. 16 (MEA)

• Vocab Lesson 4 due Wednesday October 21
• Vocab Quiz 4 is on Wednesday, October 23

• VOCAB TEST over lessons 1-4 on Friday, October 30

• No school on Friday, October 6 (end of quarter)

After that they received their first vocab quiz back. Students who did not receive passing grades are expected to stay after with me this week to get their grades up to passing (none were here today, so I assume I will see them all on Thursday). Then it was FINALLY time to return to Touching Spirit Bear. All classes made it through chapter 1 (like I said, FINALLY), and began filling out a character chart. They were reminded about the homework assignment due tomorrow.

ASSIGNMENT:
Same as yesterday--20 minutes of reading, and a 1/2 to full page response due tomorrow.

9/14/09

IN CLASS:
Today we visited the Library Media Center (LMC). There, Herr Holmbeck (he used to teach German at the senior high--hence the title "Herr") did a little refresher on how to actually locate books in the media center and then sent students on a small scavenger hunt. The goal of the day was to the leave the Library with a book for independent reading. I expect that students will be reading on their own outside of class. The book is up to them. There are no requirements of length, topic, or genre. They just need to read since that's really the only way to improve reading skills.

In the not too distant future, students will be giving book talks on their chosen books--one time during the first quarter. Instruction on that will be given closer to the time. It is my hope that this year students will develop continuous reading habits, that they will talk to each other about books, and that they will always be working on something.

ASSIGNMENT:
Students need to select and independent reading book. By Wednesday, they should spend AT LEAST 20 minutes reading. Then, write a 1/2 to full page reflection on the book. They can comment on characters, setting, plot, conflict, opinions, predictions, etc.
Due Wednesday, Sept. 16

9/10/09

IN CLASS:
Long day today. We checked vocab and went through how to grade them, how I score them, and what to expect on the quiz tomorrow. Students will have to match words to definitions, put correct words into sentences, write two of their own sentences, and draw a picture definition for two words. After vocab, we filled out postcards with addresses to be sent to parents inviting them to Open House on Thursday, Sept. 24th. In the age of electronic communication, the art of addressing envelopes seems to have gotten lost. It was a longer process than I anticipated.

So, vocab quiz tomorrow, then we'll finally get going on our novel next week. Finally.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Vocab Quiz 1 tomorrow

09/09/09

IN CLASS:
Today we answered questions about vocab assignments (due tomorrow), and made sure everyone knows what they are doing. Then we did a short pre-reading, and began to read Touching Spirit Bear. While some students have read this book before, I guarantee a closer and necessary reading this round. Students will be completing an essay on this novel, so even if they have read it before, it is important for them to read it again in order to complete this assignment.

On Monday, students will be selecting their own books to be reading independently, both in and out of class.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Vocab Lesson 1 due tomorrow
• Vocab Quiz 1 on Friday

9/8/09

IN CLASS:
Today, in preparation for reading Touching Spirit Bear, we began talking about the idea of justice. We made circle-frame maps to describe and define justice, as well as to discuss how we have built our ideas and traditions of justice. In Touching Spirit Bear, the main character enters a Native American justice tradition called Circle Justice. We'll begin reading tomorrow.

Also, tomorrow students should bring their vocab assignments to discuss any questions or confusions they may have about the assignment.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Bring vocab books/packets tomorrow
• Vocab Lesson 1 is due Thursday, Sept. 10
• Vocab Quiz 1 is on Friday, Sept. 11
  

9/4/09 -- End of Week 1!

IN CLASS:
Well, we made it through the week. Today, we finished up some unfinished business in hour 5. All students took a practice quiz using the clicker systems. It worked great (and though they don't like to admit it, I think they had fun with them, too:). Then it was on to the serious work of vocabulary. All students got vocab work--SL classes got a stapled packet. HL checked out blue books. We talked through the process and answered some questions. We will go through questions on words and assignments on Wednesday in class next week. Vocab assignments will become regular soon, but with the start of the year, it's a little off right now. A full list of vocab due dates for the quarter will be on the webpage soon. Here's what they need to know for now.

ASSIGNMENT:

• Vocab Lesson 1 due THURSDAY, SEPT. 10
  
• Vocab Quiz 1 on FRIDAY, SEPT. 11
  

9/3/09

IN CLASS:
Today 2nd & 5th hours caught up with the rest (short classes during the first few days caused the delay). After that, we answered some "What If...?" questions like "What if I am tardy?" and "What if I forget my materials?" Now everyone knows the answers (and if they forget, the answers are posted in the room). After that we assigned homework buddies. If someone is absent, their buddy will take notes for them, collect work for them, and have it ready for them when they return. Finally, we inaugurated the Classroom Performance System (CPS). Each student gets what looks like a remote control. Using their "clicker" (and no, I'm not from Wisconsin:), they can respond to questions and get immediate response. All core classes at the Junior High are now equipped with these systems. We're looking forward to improved student participation and increased learning. Students started a short quiz which we'll finish tomorrow.

ASSIGNMENT:
Same as yesterday--both due tomorrow.

• Turn in signed syllabus
• Letter to your English Teacher
  

9/2/09

IN CLASS:
Today in class we went through the syllabus (see assignment below), finished the tour of the room, and attempted to learn the names of all students in the room. It's a work in progress when you have more than 150 students! The next order of business is to get to know everyone. Students were assigned to write 1-2 page letter about themselves. This will help me learn about them as well as to see their writing skills and style.

ASSIGNMENT:
Both Due Friday, September 4th

• Get syllabus signed by a parent or guardian, and return it to Ms. K
  
• Write the "Letter to your English Teacher."
  

9/1/09

Welcome back!

In Class:
It was great to see so many enthusiastic students in class today. Because the schedule during the first few days is a little irregular, all classes ended up in slightly different places. Basically, we got all spelling, pronunciations and abbreviations names straight, and did a little talking about the class. We'll continue to work through the "business" tomorrow, and then it will be on to the Language Arts.

Assignment:
Nothing for now. Enjoy!