Ms. Williams' 7th Grade ELA Classroom

Agenda and Homework January 30 - February 3

2012-01-30T13:16:00.000-06:00

Agenda

We're working on semicolons and colons this week in English, as well as a new writing activity. Later in the week we'll start reading a new science fiction short story for Literature.

Homework

Grammar for Writing workbook pages 202 & 203

Illustrate the fantasy creature you develop in class Tuesday. Requirements are similar to your setting illustration: no larger than 8 1/2 x 11" in size. Your illustration should cover most of the page, leaving little to no blank space. You are not expected to be an expert artist, but be creative, and make your illustration colorful and interesting!

Agenda and Homework January 23 - 27

2012-01-23T11:00:00.000-06:00

Agenda

We're finishing up our fantasy focus this week and moving on to science fiction. We'll start with notes to become familiar with terminology unique to science fiction, and we'll read and analyze the first of several short stories.

Homework

Create Your Own Fantasy Setting - follow instructions on handout provided in class

Don't forget to turn in Scholastic book orders by this Friday!

Assessments

Quiz Tuesday on "The Smallest Dragonboy"
Quiz Friday on science fiction guided notes and "Examination Day"

Agenda and Homework January 17 - 20

2012-01-17T10:41:00.000-06:00

Agenda

Our focus this week will be on writing and grammar. We're getting back to our Everyday Edits in this unit, practicing skills in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. We'll also read, analyze, and respond to a short fantasy story.

Homework

Make sure you are reading an average of 15 minutes daily outside of class!
Remember all Scholastic book orders are due by Friday January 27.

Archetypes in Fantasy

2012-01-09T19:00:00.000-06:00

Agenda and Homework January 9 - 13

2012-01-09T09:56:00.000-06:00

Agenda

This week we are beginning our Fantasy & Science Fiction unit. We'll start with some basic terminology, then use what we learn to analyze the movie version of a fantasy story. We'll also read some short fantasy selections and complete related activities.

Homework

Read an average of 15 minutes daily outside of class.
Study your fantasy terminology guided notes for a QUIZ on Friday.
You will turn in your complete guided notes on Friday for classwork credit.

December 12 - 16

2011-12-11T07:24:00.001-06:00

Agenda

Students are presenting their original poetry during our Poetry Cafe on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Remember the grading rubric we went over in class - I will be looking for strong volume, good posture and eye contact, enthusiasm, and preparation.

Thursday we will review for midterms, and we begin testing Friday with 2A and 3A exams.

I will have study guides to hand out on Monday.

Accelerated Reading goals are due Wednesday.

Watch it again

2011-12-07T18:42:00.001-06:00

Agenda and Homework December 5 - 9

2011-12-02T07:47:00.005-06:00

Agenda

This week our focus will be on reading and analyzing narrative and lyric poems. We'll be identifying examples of figurative language and looking for characteristics of these types of poetry.

We have a lot going on this week! Students should be aware of the following important dates:

Monday Dec. 5 - QUIZ on adverbs and double negatives [postponed until Tuesday]

Thursday Dec. 8 - [EDITED 12/5] If you wish to participate in Poetry Cafe refreshments, you must bring a snack to share - this can be chips, snack crackers, cookies, etc.
Also, I must receive a typed copy of the poem each student intends to present at the Poetry Cafe. Please indicate heart, soul, or mind on your poem.

Friday Dec. 9 - QUIZ on narrative and lyric poetry

Looking ahead..... Remember the Poetry Cafe will be held on Dec. 12, 13, & 14. You need to decide which poem you're going to read and start practicing your presentation skills!!

AR due date has been extended to Wednesday December 14. Yay! Read, read, read!

Your Literature midterm exam will be the Poetry Edusoft - study your notes and returned classwork/homework from this unit.
For English, you will take the Mid-Semester Edusoft Exam.

Agenda and Homework November 28 - December 2

2011-11-27T16:34:00.000-06:00

Agenda

This week we'll focus on finishing up our poetry booklets with a new Recipe Poem and a choice poem. We'll also review grammar rules for avoiding double negatives in our speech and writing.

Homework

For homework this week students need to focus on working toward Accelerated Reading goals. The deadline for AR goals is Friday December 9th....not a lot of time left! So find some fantastic books, and read read read!

What are YOU thankful for?

2011-11-17T14:54:00.002-06:00

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY!

Write an original poem about Thanksgiving. It can be a narrative poem that tells a story related to the Thanksgiving season, or it can be a lyric poem that expresses your thoughts on the things in your life for which you are thankful. Whichever type you choose, your poem must contain examples of the characteristics we've discussed in class.

Your poem must be at least 8 lines long, and it MUST be entirely your own, original work. It may be organized however you wish, and it can rhyme or not. You decide, and be creative (hint: concrete poems, odes, and free verse would work great for this topic).

Your poem may be neatly hand-written or typed. Proofread carefully for spelling, grammar and punctuation, and turn in your poem on Monday November 28th when you return from the break. I will not accept poems after this date. Any bonus points earned will be added to your Poetry Booklet grade for English.

Have fun, read a lot, and have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Ms. Williams

Agenda and Homework November 14 - 18

2011-11-14T12:51:00.000-06:00

Agenda

This week we'll continue writing original poetry using knowledge of poetic devices. Monday we'll review adverbs and use them to write acrostic poems.

I will not be at school Tuesday - make sure you look on the classroom door to find out where to go, and complete the Narrative vs. Lyric Poetry handout you'll receive. We'll go over the handout together on Wednesday, and it will count for a classwork grade.

Homework

Read AR - goals are due Friday December 9th

Grammar for Writing workbook pages 112-113

Agenda and Homework November 7 - 11

2011-11-04T09:36:00.000-05:00

Agenda

We are starting our new poetry unit this week! Throughout this unit we'll be writing a lot of original poetry as well as reading and discussing different types of poems. First though, we need to cover the basics, so this week we'll be focusing on terminology and different poetic forms. You'll also write and publish your first poem, called an "I Am" poem.

Homework

You'll have a small quiz Friday covering your class notes on poetic elements and devices and poetic forms. Study!! You will turn in both sets of notes on Friday for a classwork grade.

Read AR

Agenda and Homework October 31 - November 4

2011-10-28T10:09:00.002-05:00

Monday - Wednesday we will finish reading assigned nonfiction books and complete the last components of the interactive notebooks.

Thursday is the Nonfiction Edusoft Benchmark Exam.

On Friday, interactive notebooks are due at the beginning of class! Students who have fully completed their notebooks will be allowed to watch a movie during class. Students may also take AR quizzes on their nonfiction books.

Homework this week involves catching up with work in the interactive notebooks so that they are ready to turn in on Friday.

If students need additional time this week with the books, they should come to my classroom in the morning before Prime Time or stay in at recess. I will also be available to stay after school on Monday and Wednesday, no later than 4 pm. Parents, if you would like your child to stay after school, please send me an email or note giving permission and please pick your child up promptly at, or before, 4 pm.

Agenda and Homework October 24 - 28

2011-10-21T14:36:00.001-05:00

We will continue reading in our nonfiction books and responding in the interactive notebooks.

We'll also be reviewing grammar rules for possession and discussing main idea in literature.

Reading and completion of reflective pages in the interactive notebook are first priority for in-class work. By Friday, students must have a minimum of 10 reflective pages completed.

Homework will include completion of creative pages and the body biography (REVISED). By Friday students should have a minimum of 10 creative pages complete.

I strongly recommend that if any student is currently behind in their interactive notebook assignments they should obtain a copy of their assigned book and catch up at home or at recess.

Agenda and Homework October 18 - 21

2011-10-13T11:13:00.001-05:00

Agenda

This week we'll continue working in our nonfiction reading groups, learning about the lives and stories of Holocaust victims.

Remember to keep up with your reading goals each day - if you get behind in your reading, please ask to stay in at recess to catch up or purchase a copy of your own to keep at home. The books may not be taken out of the classroom at any time!

Homework

This week you will need to take your interactive notebooks home to complete your title page. You will also need to make sure that you have four reflective pages, and their corresponding four creative pages, complete by Friday.

Students and parents, please remember how important it is to keep track of these interactive notebooks. They will be worth a final grade of 100 points, and they will involve a lot of time and effort, both in and out of class. Not having the notebooks every day for classwork, or loss of a notebook, will require a substantial amount of makeup work in order to receive a passing grade for the assignment.

Be responsible, and know where your interactive notebook is at all times!

Agenda and Homework October 10 - 13

2011-10-07T16:38:00.000-05:00

Agenda

This week we'll be finishing The Giver. Remember, if you are confident you will do well, you can take an AR quiz on this novel!

We'll also be starting our nonfiction reading groups and introducing our interactive notebook project.

Homework - read and make sure you have met all of your AR goals! Deadline is Thursday.

The classroom library is closed this week, and I need ALL books currently checked out to be returned by Thursday. This is so I can inventory all of our books and set up the new, computerized check-out system.

Classroom library priviledges will be revoked from any student who has not returned or replaced a lost book.

No school Friday or next Monday. Enjoy your Fall Holiday!

Agenda and Homework October 3 - 7

2011-09-30T10:06:00.002-05:00

Agenda

On Monday students will have a short quiz on The Giver chapters 1-10 and vocabulary, and they will also be taking the Fiction Edusoft benchmark exam.

This week we will be wrapping up our reading of The Giver and moving into our new, nonfiction unit.

Homework

Read AR - goals are due Thursday October 13!

Return signed AR progress reports by Friday.

Use class notes to study for a nonfiction terminology quiz on Friday.

Agenda and Homework September 19 - 23

2011-09-16T07:06:00.003-05:00

Agenda

Monday and Tuesday we'll be wrapping up our short stories. On Monday every student needs to make sure they exchange stories with at least one classmate and give/receive constructive feedback on his or her writing. Use the "Young Author's Checklist" - you will be given a classwork grade on thoughtful completion of this item.

Don't forget to bring your flash drive to school on Monday and Tuesday! ALL final drafts of short stories are due by Friday the 23rd.

Monday is your quiz on comparatives and superlatives.

The rest of the week will be devoted to reading and analysis of The Giver.

Homework

Read at least 15 minutes daily outside of school.

If you have not finished typing the final draft of your short story by the end of class Tuesday, you must complete it at home and turn it in by Friday.

Agenda and Homework September 12 - 16

2011-09-09T09:27:00.000-05:00

Agenda

This week we will complete handwritten rough drafts of our short stories. Completed rough drafts will be due by the end of class Wednesday. Remember, ALL writing must be done in class, so use your time wisely!

We will continue with our reading and discussion of The Giver, adding to our vocabulary list and completing related activities. We'll also have a grammar lesson on comparatives and superlatives.

Homework

Read every day outside of school!
Grammar for Writing workbook pages 115-116

Agenda and Homework - September 6 - 9

2011-09-02T09:21:00.005-05:00

Remember, Monday is the Labor Day holiday - no school!

Agenda

We'll continue with our reading and analysis of the novel The Giver, this week. If you are absent on a day that we read in class, please make sure to catch up when you return to school - either during the first part of class or at recess. No copies of the novel may leave the classroom.

We'll also be working on short stories this week. I can't wait to see your creative ideas come to life on the page!

Homework Due Friday Sept. 9

Read a little bit every day!

If you received a grade of B or lower on your Capitalization Quiz from last week:
For each sentence you got wrong on the quiz, you must write your own original sentence correctly using the capitalization rule(s) you missed. Write your new sentences on a looseleaf sheet of paper and staple them to your quiz - turn in together on Friday. You will not receive a separate homework grade, but you will be able to earn points back on your quiz grade.

Return grade sheets for English and Literature signed by a parent or guardian.

Agenda and Homework August 29 - September 2

2011-08-26T09:15:00.003-05:00

Agenda

This week we will review and practice rules for capitalization. We'll be using those skills in our short story writing, and we will also begin reading and discussing a novel.

Monday there will be a quiz on literary elements and devices. Prior to the quiz I will collect class notes to check for completion.

Homework

Read every day!
Use your class notes to review capitalization rules. Complete Grammar for Writing workbook pages 179, 181, and 185. Tear each page carefully from your workbook, staple them together, and turn them in together on Friday.

Agenda and Homework August 22 - 26

2011-08-19T13:36:00.001-05:00

Agenda

Students will use their knowledge of literary elements and author devices to complete a creative group project. We will practice proper usage of grammar and punctuation and begin the early stages of writing a short fictional story.

Homework

Read AR at least 15 minutes daily.

Write a multi-paragraph essay describing your favorite literary genre. You must be more specific than "fiction" or "nonfiction." Use the information learned in class to discuss the specific genre of literature you most enjoy reading.

Your essay must be neatly written or typed in standard format (times new roman, 12 pt. font). It should be well-organized and include examples of your favorite genre.

Reminders

Study your notes on the different types of genres. You will have a quiz Tuesday or Wednesday!

Agenda and Homework August 15 - 19

2011-08-12T10:24:00.001-05:00

We will be beginning our Fiction Unit this week! You will be working in teams to research and develop examples of literary elements and author devices which readers can find in all works of literature.

This week students will also complete the Edusoft pre-assessment and receive their new Accelerated Reading goals.

HOMEWORK - Due Friday, August 19

1. Go online and take the following Learning Styles Inventory:
Find Your Strengths

2. Using your inventory results, complete the Coat of Arms. Make sure your submission is detailed and colorful and your top three learning styles are artistically represented.

3. Who Am I? On a piece of separate, lined paper, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph (neatly!) describing who you are as a student. What are your strongest and weakest subjects? In what ways do you learn best? How does your personality affect how you learn? What are your goals for this school year?

Important Reminders

Finish your Summer Reading. You have until August 26th to complete the two required books, take the 2 tests, and submit the 2 reading logs.

Please remember to bring in signed syllabus sheets and blank composition notebooks.

As always, bring an AR book with you to class every day!

2011-08-09T18:47:00.000-05:00

WELCOME to all of my new students and their families!

Our new school year is off to a great start! I am excited about getting to know my students, and I know we will have a successful year together in 7th grade Advanced ELA.

This week we will be distributing textbooks, discussing classroom expectations, and taking the STAR reading inventory.

REMINDERS

A class syllabus went home on Wednesday, the first day of school. Please return the attached signature sheet, signed and dated, as soon as possible!

Summer Reading - All summer reading AR tests and journals must be completed by Friday August 26th.

Summer Reading!

2011-05-18T09:59:00.002-05:00

2011 Summer Reading List

Choose 2 books from the following list to read this summer. You should choose books you have not read before! For each book, complete a reading journal by summarizing each chapter IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Chapter summaries should be thorough. You will also be required to take a test for each book.

City of the Dead (The Haunting of Derek Stone, #1) -Abbott
Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior -Bradford
Closed for the Season -Hahn
Dormia -Halpern
Dying to Meet You -Klise
The Amanda Project: Invisible I -Kantor
Wings -Lethcoe
11 Birthdays -Mass
Brand-New Emily -Rue
Jolted -Slade
A Truth Worth Tellin’ -Teepell
Malice -Wooding

Archetypes in Fantasy and Science Fiction

2011-01-11T05:44:00.004-06:00