It's been a great week of teaching the plot elements with Pixar shorts as a type of text to practice with. We have done a gradual release teaching method where we first did plot charts as a class, then as a group at our tables, next with a partner, and finally independently. Students have worked hard to focus on the lessons and are demonstrating they are understanding the concept.
As part of this unit, students need to practice vocabulary words on Quizlet--4 sessions, 15 minutes long. Parents or teachers can initial the completion. They can practice at school during FLEX, in classes (if time), before or after school in my room, or at home. Here is the direct link: Plot Elements Quizlet
This next week will be awesome! We will begin to review the elements of plot, have our first library day of the school year, and take our first common formative assessment to see how students are mastering this concept.
Many students have stayed on track and have completed their first book! If they haven't finished yet--all is not lost! As soon as they finish their first book, I will adjust their grade. I know it will take some practice to get used to this process. Students need to finish their book then fill out the Book Tracker form on my website. Please remind your student to make sure they are remembering to read at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week so they can stay on track for iRead book due dates.
If you are wondering why we ask 7th graders to read so much, here is a comment from Mrs. Robins, the Language Arts department head for 7th grade:
"Some people have asked me why we require so much reading in 7th grade. My reply is that our end goal is to create lifelong readers, and the only way to be a better reader, is to, well...read. Check out this article in an interview by Donalyn Miller (teacher/researcher) who makes a solid argument for how good readers are created: Are Good Readers Born or Made?"
August 29-September 2
Monday, August 29th
Free Reading/Book Business
Plot elements review with picture books
Tuesday, August 30th
Free Reading/Book Business
Vocabulary review of Plot Elements
Finish review-present picture book plot charts
Wednesday, August 31st
CFA (common formative assessment) #1: Plot Elements-Martina the Beautiful Cockroach
We will correct in class, reading time if finished early
iRead Book #2 Due
Thursday, September 1st
Library Day/Reading
Friday, September 2nd
GECKO DAY!
- Reteaching OR Enrichment for CFA #1
If students score lower than 70%, reteaching and reassessment will be offered. Students scoring higher than 70% will be doing an enrichment activity of outside chalk art tied into the plot of the novel they are currently reading (trust me, this will be fun!).
