Today, we spent our class time in the school library. We took the AR quiz for A Wrinkle in Time and spent time browsing books, checking out, and reading independently.
Between my classroom library and the school's library, every student should now be well on his/her way to earning your first batch of AR points.
A reminder: Your AR book should come with you to every class, every day. My answer to the question, "What do I do when I'm finished?" will always be, "Read your AR book."
Don't forget that your greeting card project is due tomorrow!!!!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Greeting Card Project
Greeting Card ProjectToday, students were assigned a final project on A Wrinkle in Time, our summer reading selection. Students will complete the following book report, in two parts:
Think about the characters and situations in this novel. Imagine that one character is sending a card to another character. What kind of card would that character send and why?
*Be as creative as you like – use markers, glitter, magazine cutouts, poetry, anything you like!
Task: There are TWO parts to this project.
1. Create a card from one character in this novel to another character (50 points)
*Your card must be handmade by YOU. You may create your card on the computer, as long as it is your original work.
*Your card may NOT be created on notebook paper. Use white or colored printer paper, construction paper, cardstock, a piece of cut-out poster board, or anything else you like – as long as it is NOT on notebook paper!!
*You may create any kind of card EXCEPT a birthday card (sympathy, get well, miss you, thinking of you, apology, anniversary, friendship, love, congratulations, etc.)
*Be as creative as you like – use markers, glitter, magazine cutouts, poetry, anything you like!
2. On a separate sheet of paper, include the following (50 points):
*In one paragraph (6-8 sentences), explain why you created the card you did.
*In another paragraph, explain the importance of this choice and how the novel would be different if the card had actually been sent.
GREETING CARD RUBRIC
Card displays an understanding of the characters/plot of the novel: 30 pts
Followed directions: 10 pts
Neatness/Creativity: 10 pts
Followed directions: 10 pts
Neatness/Creativity: 10 pts
WRITTEN PORTION RUBRIC
Paragraphs meet length standard (6-8 sentences) and address topics: 20 pts
Paragraphs reflect a thorough understanding of characters and plot: 30 pts
Paragraphs reflect a thorough understanding of characters and plot: 30 pts
THIS ASSIGNMENT WILL BE ONE 100 POINT PROJECT/TEST GRADE FOR READING.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Scholastic Book Clubs have begun!!!
Yesterday, I sent home a Scholastic Book Club flyer with each student. Scholastic Book Clubs are one of the best ways for students to build their personal libraries + increase their motivation to meet their point goals by discovering books they love!
Each time you order books from Scholastic online, you are helping our classroom - each time you place an online order, we earn a free book for the classroom library!
If you'd like to sign up to browse books with your child and place an order, here's how:
1. Go to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
2. On the parent page, click "Register" in the "First Time Here?" section.
3. Register for your own user name and password.
4. When prompted, enter the one-time class activation code: GM67B
(This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me)
5. Select the books you'd like to order - choose from thousands of titles - many more than you'll see in the monthly flyer.
6. Send your order to me online by the due date listed (SEPTEMBER 21, 2011) and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
AR information went out today!
Today students received the results of their AR STAR test, which measures their reading level and assigns a ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development). For appropriate challenge and maximum growth as readers, students should select books with reading levels that fall within their ZPD range to read for AR points.
Point goals were also assigned today based on reading levels and the level of challenge necessary for each student's growth.
The last day to take quizzes to earn points toward this goal is Wednesday, October 10, 2011. The percentage of your point goal that you earn as of 2:45 p.m. that day becomes your test grade for AR for the nine weeks.
Students will have the same point goal for the second nine weeks and will be retested for a new reading level/point goal in January.
Parents, please sign your child's STAR report tonight and send it back tomorrow. I will then send a copy home for you to keep for your records.
Point goals were also assigned today based on reading levels and the level of challenge necessary for each student's growth.
The last day to take quizzes to earn points toward this goal is Wednesday, October 10, 2011. The percentage of your point goal that you earn as of 2:45 p.m. that day becomes your test grade for AR for the nine weeks.
Students will have the same point goal for the second nine weeks and will be retested for a new reading level/point goal in January.
Parents, please sign your child's STAR report tonight and send it back tomorrow. I will then send a copy home for you to keep for your records.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Coupon sales, A Wrinkle in Time, and a textbook update
A good afternoon to you all!
I wanted to post a few reminders for you:
1. The last day to bring in money for coupon book sales is Wednesday, 8-31-2011. Sell, sell, sell! If you've not brought in your signed form to take home a sales sheet and sample book, please do so asap so you can sell at least one book!
2. Your AR test on A Wrinkle in Time will also be on Wednesday, 8-31-2011. We've been doing some assignments in class together (we have covered chapters 1-8 so far) and I hope that has helped you brush up if it's been a little while since you finished it.
To students who did not read it - I encourage you to finish it by next week so you can make the grade (rather than having to read it later anyway and getting docked points for reading it late!!)
3. To any parents who may have wondered where your child's textbooks are - we will be issuing books this week after we get them barcoded to each student.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Con Buena Esperanza (With Good Hope),
Miss H
I wanted to post a few reminders for you:
1. The last day to bring in money for coupon book sales is Wednesday, 8-31-2011. Sell, sell, sell! If you've not brought in your signed form to take home a sales sheet and sample book, please do so asap so you can sell at least one book!
2. Your AR test on A Wrinkle in Time will also be on Wednesday, 8-31-2011. We've been doing some assignments in class together (we have covered chapters 1-8 so far) and I hope that has helped you brush up if it's been a little while since you finished it.
To students who did not read it - I encourage you to finish it by next week so you can make the grade (rather than having to read it later anyway and getting docked points for reading it late!!)
3. To any parents who may have wondered where your child's textbooks are - we will be issuing books this week after we get them barcoded to each student.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Con Buena Esperanza (With Good Hope),
Miss H
Monday, August 15, 2011
Homework link!!
Don't forget to check the homework link if you want to double check your assignment - as often as I am able, I will be posting your homework assignments on the Homework Page (click the "Homework" tab at the top).
Remember, though, that my posting homework to the Web DOES NOT negate your use of your red agenda books!! Technology is not always reliable, and I may not be able to post everyday.
Have a great evening!
Remember, though, that my posting homework to the Web DOES NOT negate your use of your red agenda books!! Technology is not always reliable, and I may not be able to post everyday.
Have a great evening!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
A great first day!
Wow! Today could not have gone any better. What a great first day of school!
I feel like I "know" this group of students better than I have any other group at the very beginning of the year. This is partly because I have taught several of their older siblings, but also because I have watched this class grow since they were in the 4th grade.
I already know that this group is smart as a whip, and I can't wait to see what you all will accomplish!
First up is the memorization of "Attitude" by Charles Swindoll. Students received their copy today, and it should be committed to memory by Friday, August 19. Seventh grade is a challenging year for students, teachers and parents, and I firmly believe that the success we will (or will not) experience hinges on the attitude we choose to adopt.
So be prepared to write the passage from memory on the 19th for your first TEST grade!! It will count toward both Reading and Language Arts!
Thanks for a wonderful first day!
I feel like I "know" this group of students better than I have any other group at the very beginning of the year. This is partly because I have taught several of their older siblings, but also because I have watched this class grow since they were in the 4th grade.
I already know that this group is smart as a whip, and I can't wait to see what you all will accomplish!
First up is the memorization of "Attitude" by Charles Swindoll. Students received their copy today, and it should be committed to memory by Friday, August 19. Seventh grade is a challenging year for students, teachers and parents, and I firmly believe that the success we will (or will not) experience hinges on the attitude we choose to adopt.
So be prepared to write the passage from memory on the 19th for your first TEST grade!! It will count toward both Reading and Language Arts!
Thanks for a wonderful first day!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Welcome to 7th Grade!
Welcome, Seventh Graders!
I hope you enjoyed Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time this summer - it is one of my favorites, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts as we dive into it together during the first weeks of school.
See you all bright and early on Wednesday!!
Miss Hardin
It was so nice to meet so many of you and your parents this afternoon at Open House. Thank you to all who came, and I look forward to meeting those of you who weren't able to make it. In case you didn't get a chance to get a close look at the Power Point that was rolling on the Promethean board, I've uploaded it here:
I hope you enjoyed Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time this summer - it is one of my favorites, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts as we dive into it together during the first weeks of school.
See you all bright and early on Wednesday!!
Miss Hardin
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