Reading is Thinking!
Readers think about what they read. Sometimes readers think about the setting, characters, plot, mood, or theme. Readers can also think about the genre, style, organization, or illustrations. While reading, readers have to figure out new words, remember what they've read, predict what might happen next, and make connections. Great readers are always thinking about how their reading relates to their life.
As you are reading, take notes about your thinking. You can take notes on sticky notes or paper. Be sure to write the page number of the reading that inspired you. Remember, don't write what happened, write what you thought! These notes will help you remember what you've read, write book talks or letters, and share your thinking with other readers.
You might think about:
*Interesting new words
*Surprising, scary, sad, or funny events
*Confusing parts or questions you have
*What you are learning
*Predicting what might happen
*Relating the characters to someone you know
*How this book is like something else you've read
*Quotes or phrases that mean something to you
*Making inference (figuring it out!)
*Anything else YOU decide to THINK about READING!!!
Happy Reading! Ms.Fultz2012 msfultz.blogspot.com
Readers think about what they read. Sometimes readers think about the setting, characters, plot, mood, or theme. Readers can also think about the genre, style, organization, or illustrations. While reading, readers have to figure out new words, remember what they've read, predict what might happen next, and make connections. Great readers are always thinking about how their reading relates to their life.
As you are reading, take notes about your thinking. You can take notes on sticky notes or paper. Be sure to write the page number of the reading that inspired you. Remember, don't write what happened, write what you thought! These notes will help you remember what you've read, write book talks or letters, and share your thinking with other readers.
You might think about:
*Interesting new words
*Surprising, scary, sad, or funny events
*Confusing parts or questions you have
*What you are learning
*Predicting what might happen
*Relating the characters to someone you know
*How this book is like something else you've read
*Quotes or phrases that mean something to you
*Making inference (figuring it out!)
*Anything else YOU decide to THINK about READING!!!
Happy Reading! Ms.Fultz2012 msfultz.blogspot.com
Greek & Latin Roots
The first school day of each week, students will be assigned a root word. This word will be introduced, and the meaning of the root with word examples will be discussed in class. Also, students are responsible for finding a word that uses the root, and they are to place the word on our classroom word wall. Students are not allowed to use the same word as another student. Simply put, words posted are on a "first come first serve" basis, so students are encouraged to complete this assignment as soon as possible. Words posted on the word wall will be written in marker, and students will write their names beside the word to ensure they receive credit for their word. In case of absences or procrastination, students will need to look at the words already posted to omit from their opportunity for use. The Learn That button below is one resource to locate multiple words with the same root. Additionally, students are required to keep a G&L notebook where they will complete and record the aforementioned information, along with further requirements. Please see below for the uploaded template in file form for you to download as needed. The template is also pasted on the back of the front cover of each students' notebook. These notebooks are due every Friday at the end of the day regardless whether or not we have a 5 day school week. In the event a student is out on a Friday or school is closed, these notebooks are due upon the day of return.
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Resource Material & Videos
Here is the basic RUBRIC for all writing assignments. This is adapted from the VDOE curriculum framework.
grade_7_writing_rubric.pdf | |
File Size: | 279 kb |
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Conjunction Song: useful for compound and complex sentence writing
Compound and Complex Sentence review videos
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Commas & Quotations |
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Writing: Bold Beginnings, Mighty Middles, Exciting Endings
Genres of Literature
Research & MLA documentation
Primary & secondary sources are often used within our research. Uploaded below is a practice sheet that we will do in class; however, you are always welcome to use this for review at any time.
MLA is a form of documentation commonly used in middle and high school. Attached is a copy of our handout of helpful MLA basics. Additionally, the link button below will take you to the Perdue University OWL (Online Writing Library) website. Here, you will be able to explore and find additional information about MLA documentation. I strongly encourage you to use this web site. I've also uploaded a copy of the MLA practice sheet that we will complete in class for a grade, and a copy of the research process helpful steps that also covers topic sentences/thesis statements.
MLA is a form of documentation commonly used in middle and high school. Attached is a copy of our handout of helpful MLA basics. Additionally, the link button below will take you to the Perdue University OWL (Online Writing Library) website. Here, you will be able to explore and find additional information about MLA documentation. I strongly encourage you to use this web site. I've also uploaded a copy of the MLA practice sheet that we will complete in class for a grade, and a copy of the research process helpful steps that also covers topic sentences/thesis statements.
researchadditionalrubric.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
research_process_topic_sent.doc | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: | doc |
primarysecondaryexamples.pptx | |
File Size: | 747 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
mla_rules.doc | |
File Size: | 44 kb |
File Type: | doc |
research_reminders.jpg | |
File Size: | 1170 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
ace_example.png | |
File Size: | 458 kb |
File Type: | png |
Primary vs Secondary Sources
WEBSITE EVALUATION
website_reliability_oar.jpg | |
File Size: | 513 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
Novel Unit: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton |
We only have a classroom set of the novels, so I am unable to send novels home for students to read outside of the classroom. I apologize for the inconvenience. We will read the novel during class. Students will also work on various assignments related to the novel.
*We will cover SOLs related to meanings of unfamiliar words using context clues and connotation of words. Also, we will focus on characterization; literary elements such as foreshadowing, irony, and suspense; poetry interpretation; literary comparisons; themes such as heroism and stereotyping; elements of plot; and note taking skills.
PROJECT will count three (3) times. See attachments below for the project explanation and rubric. Students may decide to bring in materials to help accomplish this project.
After we read the novel, we will write a persuasive essay to try to convince others to either read or not read the book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Additionally, they will be required to apply previously taught skills: bold beginnings, mighty middles with appropriate sequencing and transitions, exciting endings, research writing skills (i.e. in-text citations & Works Cited page both using MLA format-see above), and a variety of sentence structures (i.e. compound, complex, and simple sentences). Students will be introduced to position statements with at least 3 supporting facts and 1 counter arguments. Students will be expected to either destroy their opponent's arguments without insulting the opponent (Strawman method) or develop arguments of their own that are superior (Nestorian method). We will work on these essays in class following the writing process. A rubric of how the essay will be assessed is available below for download. This rubric is in addition to the one I use from the DOE, which students already have a copy of and is listed above (scroll up). Additionally, the keyhole brainstorm graphic organizer is posted below. This technique allows students to be very thorough in their brainstorm which will provide them the opportunity to write a strong, persuasive essay.
plot_diagram_the_outsiders.jpg | |
File Size: | 381 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
project.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
novel_project_rubric.docx | |
File Size: | 947 kb |
File Type: | docx |
process.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
example.pdf | |
File Size: | 88 kb |
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keyhole_brainstorm.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
persuasive_rubric.xlsx | |
File Size: | 12 kb |
File Type: | xlsx |
"And...Action!" Drama: Students will analyze plays and the importance of verbal and non verbal messages such as eye contact, posture and gestures to enhance verbal communication and story lines using plays from our Reading series, specifically "Gracie" (Vol. 1 pp 294-301). Students will learn that non verbal messages are equally important to verbal messages/dialogue to aid in effective storytelling for comprehension/theme purposes.
Students will also be required to read a poem or passage of their choice. Their performance will be assessed as a test grade based on the standards we have covered throughout this unit: English 7.1 and 7.2. A rubric is attached below for you to download.
We will conclude this unit with a discussion (comparison/contrast) of how certain plays we read relate to real-life situations and how we can approach situations appropriately, as well as an emphasis on how our choices can determine our own "life story" involving plot, cause/effect and conflict (problem vs solution/result).
Students will also be required to read a poem or passage of their choice. Their performance will be assessed as a test grade based on the standards we have covered throughout this unit: English 7.1 and 7.2. A rubric is attached below for you to download.
We will conclude this unit with a discussion (comparison/contrast) of how certain plays we read relate to real-life situations and how we can approach situations appropriately, as well as an emphasis on how our choices can determine our own "life story" involving plot, cause/effect and conflict (problem vs solution/result).
dramaplayrubric.xls | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | xls |
"Media Mania" (Media Literacy): Below is the link to our Prezi review. Click on the tab and be sure to study it! It has all the information you will need for this unit.
Afterwards, you have a choice to create independently, with a partner, or in a small group a media project using Microsoft Publisher, www.toondoo.com or www.voki.com. If you can think of something else you'd rather use for your Media presentation, please run it by me first for approval.
You may use gym time to finalize if you are lagging behind when the deadline is drawing near, but be sure to double check with me and Coach Mann first to make sure that the day you choose doesn't conflict with anything else.
I suggest in the meantime, you use Academic Block or outside of school time to create this project if you don't have much time during Academic Block. Keep in mind that if you choose to work with a group or a partner, you must consider availability outside of the classroom in order to complete this project, which will count as a test grade (3 times).
The rubric can be accessed below by clicking on the document link. Please use this to help you, as this is how I will grade your final product.
Afterwards, you have a choice to create independently, with a partner, or in a small group a media project using Microsoft Publisher, www.toondoo.com or www.voki.com. If you can think of something else you'd rather use for your Media presentation, please run it by me first for approval.
You may use gym time to finalize if you are lagging behind when the deadline is drawing near, but be sure to double check with me and Coach Mann first to make sure that the day you choose doesn't conflict with anything else.
I suggest in the meantime, you use Academic Block or outside of school time to create this project if you don't have much time during Academic Block. Keep in mind that if you choose to work with a group or a partner, you must consider availability outside of the classroom in order to complete this project, which will count as a test grade (3 times).
The rubric can be accessed below by clicking on the document link. Please use this to help you, as this is how I will grade your final product.
media_lit_project_rubric.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Below is a link to a student created media project and a prezi slideshow PSA (public service announcement) that belonged to another group of students. Both are to serve as examples, but other formats may be accepted for your own media project
Figurative Language, & Poetry
Students will study similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, onomatopoeia, allusion, irony, idioms, alliteration, assonance, rhyme, rhythm, meter, tone and mood, along with the following types of poetry: Free Verse, Haiku, Limerick, Ballad, Quatrain & Couplet. Additionally, we will practice analyzing some poems and study analogies.
Over the course of this unit, students will view prezis (see button links below), create a figurative language foldable, and make a poetry portfolio. Poetry Portfolio RUBRIC, questionnaire, and poem analysis are posted below for you to download.
Idiom website: http://www.idiomsite.com/
Students will study similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, onomatopoeia, allusion, irony, idioms, alliteration, assonance, rhyme, rhythm, meter, tone and mood, along with the following types of poetry: Free Verse, Haiku, Limerick, Ballad, Quatrain & Couplet. Additionally, we will practice analyzing some poems and study analogies.
Over the course of this unit, students will view prezis (see button links below), create a figurative language foldable, and make a poetry portfolio. Poetry Portfolio RUBRIC, questionnaire, and poem analysis are posted below for you to download.
Idiom website: http://www.idiomsite.com/
Below are documents you can download to view examples of Figurative Language and irony. Also, you may click on the following link to view rhythm and meter examples. http://www.poetry4kids.com/blog/news/rhythm-in-poetry-the-basics/
figlangexamples.doc | |
File Size: | 36 kb |
File Type: | doc |
ironypowerpt.ppt | |
File Size: | 172 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
poem-additional_student-questionnaire.doc | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | doc |
poem__analysis_questions.doc | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | doc |
poetry_submission_requirements.doc | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | doc |
poetry_portfolio_rubric.doc | |
File Size: | 39 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Fiction deals with events that are imaginary.
Realistic fiction appears to be something that is actually happening.
Non-realistic fiction are events in a story that could not happen in real life.
There are 4 main elements of fiction: plot, character, setting and theme. Characters, conflict, action, and elements makeup the framework for a story.
http://www.reference.com/motif/entertainment/characteristics-of-fiction
We will be using the SOL Coach book in class to help strengthen our skills regarding NonFiction elements and features.
Realistic fiction appears to be something that is actually happening.
Non-realistic fiction are events in a story that could not happen in real life.
There are 4 main elements of fiction: plot, character, setting and theme. Characters, conflict, action, and elements makeup the framework for a story.
http://www.reference.com/motif/entertainment/characteristics-of-fiction
We will be using the SOL Coach book in class to help strengthen our skills regarding NonFiction elements and features.
fiction_traits.pdf | |
File Size: | 418 kb |
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non_fiction_traits.pdf | |
File Size: | 408 kb |
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conflictexternal.doc | |
File Size: | 372 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Non Fiction Text Structures: below are some handouts to help identify text structures often found in non fiction texts. Additionally, there are some passages to practice identifying text structures.
non_fiction_text_structure_examples.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
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non_fiction_text_structure_practice_2.pdf | |
File Size: | 85 kb |
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non_fiction_text_structure_practice.pdf | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
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essay_writing_prompt_2.docx | |
File Size: | 483 kb |
File Type: | docx |