Assignments:
Thursday, May 31: Read a book! Make sure your essay and reflection are turned in.
Tuesday-Thursday- Work on argumentative essay. Due Thursday by 1:08pm.
Monday, May 21: Argumentative essay rough draft was due today. Please make sure you submitted it through Google Classroom. Final essay is due Thursday!
Thursday, May 17: Rough Draft due Monday!
Wednesday, May 16: Keep working on your rough draft. Dream about it at night!
Tuesday, May 15: Outline is due Wednesday. You will begin typing the rough draft on Wednesday. Don't fall behind!
Monday, May 14: Complete 2 sections on outline! Outline is due Wednesday. You will begin typing the rough draft on Wednesday. Don't fall behind!
Friday, May 11: We discussed how to write a thesis statement.
Homework: Thesis Statements should be turned in by Monday.
Thursday, May 10: Students are finding research to support their claim for the argumentative essay. Students are forming the thesis statement.
Homework: The thesis statement is due MONDAY by 1:15pm!
Wednesday, May 9: Students are finding research to support their claim for the argumentative essay.
Homework: Pick you topic for the argumentative essay. The thesis statement is due Monday!
Tuesday, May 8: Students are finding research to support their claim for the argumentative essay.
Homework: Pick you topic for the argumentative essay.
Monday, May 7: Students finished annotating an argumentative essay. Students are picking their topic for the argumentative essay and will research that topic this week.
Homework: Read your novel. Pick you topic!
Friday, May 4: Community Service Day
Homework: Brainstorm ideas for your argumentative essay.
Thursday, May 3: Today we annotated an argumentative essay.
Homework: Brainstorm ideas for your argumentative essay. Field trip on Friday!
Monday, April 30: Students read an article debating a tax on soda. We had a mini-lesson on writing a claim, counterclaim, and refutation.
Homework: Read
Friday, April 27: Students completed a vocabulary and context clues quiz. They used the rest of the class to read or work on incomplete work.
Homework: Read, relax, and go outside!
Thursday, April 26- Field Trip to MOR
April 25: Students worked on finding different types of textual evidence to describe the main character of Crispin.
Homework: Vocab Quiz on Friday
April 24: We finished our plot analysis and are working on using textual evidence to support characterization.
Homework: Vocab Sentences due Wednesday! Quiz Friday!
April 23: Students worked on writing sentences with context clues. We began the plot analysis of Crispin.
Homework: Sentences due Wednesday. Vocab and Context Clues Quiz on Friday.
WEEK OF APRIL 16th: Read Crispin through Chapter 54. Define terms mentioned in class. Begin writing sentences with context clues. Due NEXT Wednesday.
Wednesday, April 11: We discussed the different types of questions students can expect on the Smarter Balanced Test. We also looked at the difference between a well-written response and response that needs improvement. We are working on using textual evidence when making a claim.
Homework: Read and relax!
Tuesday, April 10: Students worked on Crispin vocabulary and comprehension question. Students worked on their resume for student-led conferences.
Homework: Resume due tomorrow!! Bring in used books.
Monday, April 9: Students were introduced to argumentative writing. HW: Bring in used books for the sale.
Friday: Bring used books for the sale! Read Crispin.
Thursday, April 5: Library Day; Continue reading Crispin through Chapter 42.
Wednesday, April 4: Read Crispin through 42 by Friday.
Friday, March 30: Read through Chapter 30 of Crispin. BRING used books for the book sale!
Thursday, March 29: Proofreading activity. We read Crispin. If you were absent, please read through page 110.
Homework: Chapters 11- 15 in packet (A-B -all parts, Pick one question in part C to write a paragraph on). Ch. 16-20 Parts A and B due Friday
Wednesday, March 28: Read through Chapter 20. Chapters 11- 15 in packet (A-B -all parts, Pick one question in part C to write a paragraph on). Ch. 16-20 Parts A and B due Friday
Tuesday, March 27: Students continued to read Crispin.
Homework: The first three pages in the Crispin packet should be complete. Chapters 11-15 should be finished by Wednesday.
Monday, March 26: Students described the characteristics of a character from Crispin by using details and/or dialogue from the book. We continued to read Crispin and work on vocabulary words.
Homework: The first three pages in the Crispin packet should be complete. Chapters 11-15 should be finished by Wednesday.
Friday, March 23: We discussed using context clues to word bust and continued to discuss Crispin.
Homework: Please turn in the context clues/vocabulary worksheet on Monday. Most of you have already done this. Thank you!
Thursday, March 22: Library Day- Students presented digital citizenship research.
Homework: Read chapters 7-10 by FRIDAY and complete vocabulary and questions in packet. Bring used books to the library for the book sale!
Wednesday, March 21: We discussed Crispin chapters 1-6 and began reading chapters 7-10.
Homework: Library Day is tomorrow! Read chapters 7-10 by FRIDAY and complete vocabulary and questions in packet.
Tuesday, March 20: Students read through chapter 6 of Crispin. They are working on vocabulary, comprehension questions, and reflection questions.
Homework: Complete page 1 of booklet.
Monday, March 19: We began reading Crispin today.
Homework: Read chapters 3-4.
Friday, March 9: Read! Make sure your thematic essay on Wonder is turned into Google Classroom.
Monday, March 5: Students worked on their rough draft. Tomorrow we will peer edit.
Homework: Final Essay due Friday!
Thursday, March 1: Library Day
Homework: Read! Go to sleep early. You don't want Mrs. Belote to out ski you, sleepyheads!
Tuesday/Wednesday, February 27/28: Students continued to work on their rough draft.
Homework: Submit your thesis statement and rainbow body paragraph to Google Classroom by Friday.
Thursday, February 22: Students continued to work on their thematic essay organizer. It is now due on Monday. They will an extra class period to work on it.
Homework: Thematic Essay Organizer due Monday! Complete context clues worksheet.
Wednesday, February 21: Students are working on a thematic essay organizer. We are focusing on using concrete details to support an idea and elaborating by using commentary to explain the evidence and how it supports our main idea.
Homework: Read. Thematic Essay Organizer due Friday! Context clues worksheet due this Friday. If you need more time, please let me know!
Tuesday, February 20: Today we reviewed how to use textual evidence and commentary in a body paragraph to support a claim.
Homework: Read. Thematic Essay Organizer due Friday!
Friday, February 16: Today we had a mini-lesson on organizing a body paragraph. Students should have an introductory sentence, concrete details (evidence from the text to support a claim), commentary (support sentences), and a conclusion. We will continue to work on this over the next week.
Homework: Organizer due next Friday
Wednesday, February 14: We discussed how to write an effective thesis statement.
Homework: Thesis statement due Friday! You will have Thursday to work on it.
Tuesday, February 13: Students began brainstorming ideas for a thematic essay on Wonder.
Homework: Read
Monday, February 12: Students presented their Family History Google Slideshow.
Homework: READ! Context Clues WS due February 23.
Wednesday, February 7: We are continuing to work on word busting strategies. Students also worked on creating their family history presentation. I am adding an extra work day. The rough draft is now due Friday and the presentations will take place on Monday.
Tuesday, February 6: Students completed a quick context clues warm-up and worked on their presentation
Homework: Rough draft of presentation due Thursday.
Monday, February 5: Spelling Bee
Homework: Read! Context Clues WS due February 23rd.
Friday, February 2: Students corrected their buddy letters and began working on their family history presentation.
Homework: Spelling Bee on Monday! Read. Context Clues worksheet due February 23.
Thursday, February 1: Library Day
Homework: Spelling Bee next week. Brainstorm ideas for your family history presentation.
Wednesday, January 31: We discussed what makes a good slide presentation. Students will use their family history interview to create a slide and oral presentation.
Homework: Read. Bring your library books to class on Thursday. Spelling Bee next week!
Tuesday, January 30: Students peer edited a classmate's letter. We reviewed The Lottery Quiz. Students received their STAR scores and we discussed reading goals.
Homework: Read and look for context clues.
Monday, January 29: Students wrote a letter to their Irving buddy.
Homework: Read and look for context clues!
Friday, January 26: Students completed an assessment on The Lottery.
Homework: Read
Thursday, January 25: Students completed the required STAR test today.
Homework: Vocabulary quiz on Friday. Study!
Tuesday, January 23: Today we finished discussing The Lottery and reviewed our vocabulary words. Students completed a short assessment on The Lottery.
Homework: STAR Reading Test on Thursday. Please go to bed early. :)
Friday, January 19: Today we discussed the theme and symbolism in the short story, The Lottery.
Homework: Due Thursday, January 25- Write sentences using our ten vocabulary words. Make sure to include context clues.
Thursday, January 18: Today we visited the library.
Homework: Due Tuesday, January 23- Write sentences using our ten vocabulary words.
Wednesday, January 17: Today we recorded terms and definitions for the short story, "The Lottery." We read the short story and will discuss it on Friday.
Homework: Review terms. Read your novel and think about the theme. Library day on Thursday!
Tuesday, January 16: Today we discussed "The Necklace" and used textual evidence to support answers.
Homework: Read and think about ironic situations.
Monday, January 15: Students should have completed the reading for "The Necklace" and the assessment questions. This should be submitted through CommonLit. Also, students need to select two vocabulary words from the short story, define them, and use them in a sentence.
Friday, January 12: We are reading "The Necklace" and will continue to talk about literary elements related to this short story.
Homework: FAMILY HISTORY INTERVIEW DUE MONDAY!
THURSDAY, January 11: Students edited a paragraph and presented their theme posters.
Homework: Read. Family history interview due Monday!
Wednesday, January 10: Students finished working on their theme posters. They will present tomorrow.
Homework: Read. Family history interview due Monday.
Tuesday, January 9th: Students continued to work on identifying the topic, theme, and plot of a story and including textual evidence to support the theme.
Homework: Family history interview due next Monday.
Monday, January 8th: Students revised a paragraph. We discussed topic, theme, and plot of a story.
Homework: Family history interview due next Monday.
Friday, January 5th: Today students had a short writing assignment and spent the rest of the class reading and completing the context clues worksheet.
Homework: Read and update your reading log.
Thursday, January 4: Today we went to the library and listened to a lesson on Digital Citizenship.
Homework: Read and update your reading log. Don't forget about the context clues worksheet you should complete while reading during this trimester.
Wednesday, January 3: Students completed a short writing response summarizing their winter break. We then discussed using context clues to "wordbust" when reading. Students should complete the context clues worksheet by February 16th. Thursday is library day! Be prepared.
Wednesday, December 20: Read a good book.
Tuesday, December 19: We continued to read Wonder.
Homework: Interview a family member over the break.
Monday: Today we continued to read Wonder. Students had class time to catch up on missing work or to read a novel.
Homework: Read! Interview a family member.
Friday: Students discussed family history interview questions. Over the next few weeks they need to interview a family member, preferably a grandparent or great grandparent. We will use this information in our Trimester 2 writing assignments.
Homework: READ
Thursday: Students worked on creating citations in the library.
Homework: GENETIC DISORDER BROCHURE IS DUE FRIDAY!
Wednesday, December 13: Students continued to work on their brochures. Thursday is a library day. We will work on citations and students will have the opportunity to print their brochures.
HOMEWORK: GENETIC DISORDER BROCHURE IS DUE FRIDAY!
Tuesday, December 12: Today we discussed parenthetical citations and students had the rest of the class to work on their brochure.
Homework: Be ready to print your brochure on Thursday during our library time. The Genetic Disorder Brochure is due Friday. Students will be graded on science content, ability to construct a well-written paragraph, citations, and organized research (notecard, folder...).
Monday, December 11: We discussed how to write a paragraph, how to cite sources, and the format for the genetic disorder brochure. Students will work on the brochure this week in CA class.
Homework: Work on the Genetic Disorder Brochure. Due Friday!
Friday, December 8: Students should revise and print a final copy of their narrative. The narrative will be placed in the conference form.
Homework: Print narrative.
Thursday, December 7: Students are working on creating a well-written paragraph for their genetic disorder brochure in science.
Homework: Revise your narrative and print your final copy.
Wednesday, December 6: Students worked on improving their narrative piece of writing.
Homework: READ!
Tuesday, December 4: We continued to read Wonder. Students are researching their genetic disorder.
Homework: Read and return all field trip and conference forms.
Monday, December 3: Today students had a "How to Research" mini-lesson.
Homework: Read
Friday, December 1: We began reading the book, Wonder in preparation for our field trip on December 20th to the Gallatin Regal Cinemas. We will also connect the book to our science standards on inheritance. Students presented their creatures today.
Homework: Read and return your conference forms!
Thursday, November 30: Library Day- Genre Activity
Homework: Creature Presentation on Friday!
Wednesday, November 29: Return conference form to your advisory teacher. Library Day on Thursday.
Homework: Bring library books to class. Creature Presentation is Friday.
Tuesday, November 28: RETURN CONFERENCE FORM TO YOUR ADVISORY TEACHER
Creature Description Presentation is due Friday
Tuesday, November 21: Students listened to a book called Turkey and Mr. Bear and wrote a letter from the perspective of the turkey.
Homework: READ! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 20: Students finished presenting their book talks. Students wrote a note thanking a person of their choice.
Homework: Read!
Friday, November 17: Students presented their book talks and did a fabulous job!
Homework: Read!
Thursday, November 16: Library Day
Homework: BOOK TALK DUE FRIDAY!
Wednesday, November 15: Students worked on the expository paragraph for the Museum of Rome project.
Homework: Library day is tomorrow. Please return books. BOOK TALK DUE FRIDAY!
Tuesday, November 14: Today students completed a mini-lesson on using transition words when writing. Students will apply this lesson to their expository paragraph they are writing for the Museum of Rome project.
Homework: Book Talk due Friday! You can present in front of the class or use FlipGrid to record your Book Talk!
Friday, November 10: Students continued to work on their Book Talk. They have the option of presenting it to the class next Friday or making a Flipgrid video.
Homework: Read and work on your book talk!
Thursday, November 9: Students used Quizlet to review book talk terms. You can access this website through our Google Classroom. Students are working on a book talk. They can pick any book they have read this trimester.
Homework: Book Talk presentation Friday, November 17th! Prepare now!
Wednesday, November 8: Students were introduced to our Book Talk Terms by interacting in a "Tea Party". Students then used Quizlet to get to know the terms better.
Homework: Work on your book talk. Book Talks- November 17
Tuesday, November 7: Students completed a self-evaluation on their Realistic Fiction Narrative.
Homework: Submit your narrative on our Google Classroom. Print a hardy copy and attach the rubric/self-evaluation. Turn into the Core 5 tray.
Friday, November 3: Today we discussed using strong verbs when writing. We will practice this next week. Students read their novels and looked for strong verbs.
Homework: Narrative due Wednesday!
November 2: Library Day
Homework: Read. Narrative due Wednesday!
November 1: Students continued to work on using a variety of different ways to begin a sentence. Students also peer edited.
Homework: Please bring your library book to class on Thursday. Library day!
October 31: Students continued to revise their narratives.
Homework: Final Narrative due next week!
Monday, October 30: Students worked in groups on revising a paragraph for beginning sentence variety. Students then revised their narrative for sentence variety.
Homework: Final Narrative due next week!
Friday, October 27: We continued to work on revisions for the narrative. We had a minilesson on varying the beginning of sentences when writing.
Homework: Take the quotation quiz or retake. Remember, you can look up rules as you take the quiz. The point is for you to know the rules exist and look them up when you can't remember.
Thursday, October 26: Today we peer edited a paper.
Homework: Take the noredink.com quiz if you haven't already. Read.
Wednesday, October 25: We are continuing to work on using quotations correctly when writing dialogue.
Homework: Make sure you have your rough draft on Thursday! We will peer edit.
Tuesday, October 24: Using noredink.com, students began a lesson on using quotations in dialogue. We will apply this knowledge to our narratives.
Homework: Read
Monday, October 23: We visited the library. Ms. Lohmiller taught a lesson on using the library database and how to cite the sources found in the database.
Homework: Bring your rough draft to class on Tuesday. We will begin the editing process soon!
Wednesday, October 18: Students continued to review how to use quotations marks and commas when writing dialogue. We discussed ping pong dialogue vs. descriptive dialogue.
Homework: Read. Rough draft due next Monday, October 23.
Tuesday, October 17: We reviewed where to put quotation marks and commas when writing dialogue.
Homework: Read. Rough draft due next Monday, October 23.
Monday, October 16: Students finished presenting their "showing" phrases and then worked on the narrative rough draft.
Homework: Rough Draft due next Monday, October 23rd. Read!
Thursday, October 12: Students enjoyed a reading day.
Homework: READ!
Wednesday, October 11: Students continued to work on their narrative. Mrs. Belote continued to conference with students.
Homework: Read
Tuesday, October 10: We are continuing to work on painting a vivid picture in the reader's head. Students created showing phrases from telling words.
Homework: Please make sure you turn in your lead and/or story organizer if you haven't already!
Monday, October 9: Students worked on their narrative rough draft. I will conference with each student this week and discuss their lead and story organizer.
Homework: READ!!
Friday, October 6: Students worked on the lead to their narrative and submitted it through Google Classroom.
Homework: READ! READ! READ! READ!
Thursday, October 5: Students have access online to the rubric that will be used to grade their lead/introduction paragraph that is due on Friday. We visited the library and Mrs. Wilson showed students several examples of how to do a book talk.
Homework: Work on your lead for your narrative.
Wednesday, October 4: Today we continued to discuss different ways to introduce a narrative. Students shared leads from their novels and then rewrote the novel lead using a different technique.
Homework: Write the lead to your paper. Due Friday! Library day on Thursday.
Tuesday, October 3: Today we discussed different ways to introduce a narrative.
Homework: Find and identify two different leads in your novel.
Monday, October 2: Today students used the mentor text, "Thirteen and a Half", to create a story arc.
Homework: Complete your story mountain organizer. Remember your realistic fiction narrative should be about a small moment.
Friday, September 29: Today while students read a novel of their choice, each student conferenced with Mrs. Belote on their story mountain organizer. Students need to make sure their story is a small moment
Homework: Read
Thursday, September 28: Today we worked on a Story Mountain Organizer for our realistic fiction narrative and began working on a rough draft.
Homework: Finish the Story Mountain Organizer. Bring a book to class on Friday.
Wednesday, September 27: Today we worked on a Story Mountain Organizer for our realistic fiction narrative.
Homework: Finish the Story Mountain Organizer
Tuesday, September 26: Today we used a mentor text to complete a Realistic Fiction Scavenger Hunt on revealing the setting and character traits through dialogue and showing sentences. Students were introduced to the Narrative Writing Rubric.
Homework: Read!
Monday, September 25: Students finished sharing their "Where I'm From" poems. We read David Quammen's nonfiction piece on Sympathy for the Devil (mosquitoes) and saw how nonfiction can be turned into realistic fiction after reading Megan Walker's Mosquito Story. We are using Walker's story as a mentor text.
Homework: Read!
Friday, September 22: Some students shared their "Where I'm From" poems. They did an awesome job!
Homework: Read!
Thursday, September 21: Today we visited the library and explored different genres.
Homework: Read! Pick a topic for your realistic fiction narrative.
Wednesday, September 20: Today we began to develop our character for the realistic fiction essay. Students practiced using dialogue and actions to reveal traits of the main character.
Homework: Read and think about how your author has developed the character through actions and dialogue.
Tuesday, September 19: Today we brainstormed ideas for a realistic fiction essay.
Homework: Come to class with 3 ideas for a realistic fiction essay. Remember to submit your "Where I'm From" poem on our Google Classroom site.
Monday, September 18: Today we revised and finalized the "Where I'm From" poems. They look great! Lots of showing phrases. Nice job, Core 5!
Homework: Students should submit their final product through Google Classroom and print a hard copy to turn into the Core 5 tray.
Friday, September 15: We read a novel of our choice and looked for showing sentences that helped develop the setting or characters in the book.
Homework: Finish Pre-Write if you haven't already. Relax and read.
Thursday, September 14: We continued to practice changing a telling sentence into a showing sentences. Students worked in groups on their "Where I'm From" poem.
Homework: Finish Pre-Write for "Where I'm From" and bring a book to class on Friday.
Wednesday, September 13: Today we practiced changing telling sentences into showing sentences. Students began working on a template for a "Where I am From" poem.
Homework: Complete at least HALF of the template/pre-write for your "Where I'm From" poem. Remember, keep it simple right now.
Tuesday, September 12: Today we continued brainstorming ideas for a "Where I'm From" poem. They started a sensory brainstorm to jump start their pre-write.
Homework: Work on Sensory Brainstorm (brain dump) Nothing fancy yet! We will work on developing your brain dump into more elaborate, detailed phrases tomorrow. Use the taste, smell, hear, touch, see chart to come up with words that describe where you are from.
Monday, September 11: Today we read George Ella Lyons poem "Where I'm From." We practiced annotating a piece of writing and discussed the power of words to paint a picture in the reader's head.
Homework: Complete a circle brainstorm on ideas for your "Where I'm From" poem.
Friday, September 8: Today we discussed our expectations for our Reading Log and students enjoyed an independent reading day.
Homework: Relax and read a book.
Thursday, September 7: Today we visited our new library. Students had an orientation and an opportunity to check out books.
Homework: Complete individual PIESS sentences. Bring book to class on Friday.
Wednesday, September 6: Today students finished their group paragraphs, citing textual evidence to support the PIESS Framework.
Homework: PIESS Framework sentences due Friday. You will have time in class on Thursday to work on this and can ask questions if you need help.
Tuesday, September 5: Today we worked on Standard 7.RI.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. We will continue to work on our group paragraphs on Wednesday.
Homework: Read a book of your choice.
Friday, September 1: Read a book and enjoy your weekend.
Thursday, August 31: Bring a book to class. Finish your "Get to Know You" Book
Wednesday, August 30th: Bring a book to class. Please return the CA/SS disclosure form.
Tuesday, August 29th : Welcome to seventh grade communication arts! Please return your disclosure form by Friday.
Thursday, May 31: Read a book! Make sure your essay and reflection are turned in.
Tuesday-Thursday- Work on argumentative essay. Due Thursday by 1:08pm.
Monday, May 21: Argumentative essay rough draft was due today. Please make sure you submitted it through Google Classroom. Final essay is due Thursday!
Thursday, May 17: Rough Draft due Monday!
Wednesday, May 16: Keep working on your rough draft. Dream about it at night!
Tuesday, May 15: Outline is due Wednesday. You will begin typing the rough draft on Wednesday. Don't fall behind!
Monday, May 14: Complete 2 sections on outline! Outline is due Wednesday. You will begin typing the rough draft on Wednesday. Don't fall behind!
Friday, May 11: We discussed how to write a thesis statement.
Homework: Thesis Statements should be turned in by Monday.
Thursday, May 10: Students are finding research to support their claim for the argumentative essay. Students are forming the thesis statement.
Homework: The thesis statement is due MONDAY by 1:15pm!
Wednesday, May 9: Students are finding research to support their claim for the argumentative essay.
Homework: Pick you topic for the argumentative essay. The thesis statement is due Monday!
Tuesday, May 8: Students are finding research to support their claim for the argumentative essay.
Homework: Pick you topic for the argumentative essay.
Monday, May 7: Students finished annotating an argumentative essay. Students are picking their topic for the argumentative essay and will research that topic this week.
Homework: Read your novel. Pick you topic!
Friday, May 4: Community Service Day
Homework: Brainstorm ideas for your argumentative essay.
Thursday, May 3: Today we annotated an argumentative essay.
Homework: Brainstorm ideas for your argumentative essay. Field trip on Friday!
Monday, April 30: Students read an article debating a tax on soda. We had a mini-lesson on writing a claim, counterclaim, and refutation.
Homework: Read
Friday, April 27: Students completed a vocabulary and context clues quiz. They used the rest of the class to read or work on incomplete work.
Homework: Read, relax, and go outside!
Thursday, April 26- Field Trip to MOR
April 25: Students worked on finding different types of textual evidence to describe the main character of Crispin.
Homework: Vocab Quiz on Friday
April 24: We finished our plot analysis and are working on using textual evidence to support characterization.
Homework: Vocab Sentences due Wednesday! Quiz Friday!
April 23: Students worked on writing sentences with context clues. We began the plot analysis of Crispin.
Homework: Sentences due Wednesday. Vocab and Context Clues Quiz on Friday.
WEEK OF APRIL 16th: Read Crispin through Chapter 54. Define terms mentioned in class. Begin writing sentences with context clues. Due NEXT Wednesday.
Wednesday, April 11: We discussed the different types of questions students can expect on the Smarter Balanced Test. We also looked at the difference between a well-written response and response that needs improvement. We are working on using textual evidence when making a claim.
Homework: Read and relax!
Tuesday, April 10: Students worked on Crispin vocabulary and comprehension question. Students worked on their resume for student-led conferences.
Homework: Resume due tomorrow!! Bring in used books.
Monday, April 9: Students were introduced to argumentative writing. HW: Bring in used books for the sale.
Friday: Bring used books for the sale! Read Crispin.
Thursday, April 5: Library Day; Continue reading Crispin through Chapter 42.
Wednesday, April 4: Read Crispin through 42 by Friday.
Friday, March 30: Read through Chapter 30 of Crispin. BRING used books for the book sale!
Thursday, March 29: Proofreading activity. We read Crispin. If you were absent, please read through page 110.
Homework: Chapters 11- 15 in packet (A-B -all parts, Pick one question in part C to write a paragraph on). Ch. 16-20 Parts A and B due Friday
Wednesday, March 28: Read through Chapter 20. Chapters 11- 15 in packet (A-B -all parts, Pick one question in part C to write a paragraph on). Ch. 16-20 Parts A and B due Friday
Tuesday, March 27: Students continued to read Crispin.
Homework: The first three pages in the Crispin packet should be complete. Chapters 11-15 should be finished by Wednesday.
Monday, March 26: Students described the characteristics of a character from Crispin by using details and/or dialogue from the book. We continued to read Crispin and work on vocabulary words.
Homework: The first three pages in the Crispin packet should be complete. Chapters 11-15 should be finished by Wednesday.
Friday, March 23: We discussed using context clues to word bust and continued to discuss Crispin.
Homework: Please turn in the context clues/vocabulary worksheet on Monday. Most of you have already done this. Thank you!
Thursday, March 22: Library Day- Students presented digital citizenship research.
Homework: Read chapters 7-10 by FRIDAY and complete vocabulary and questions in packet. Bring used books to the library for the book sale!
Wednesday, March 21: We discussed Crispin chapters 1-6 and began reading chapters 7-10.
Homework: Library Day is tomorrow! Read chapters 7-10 by FRIDAY and complete vocabulary and questions in packet.
Tuesday, March 20: Students read through chapter 6 of Crispin. They are working on vocabulary, comprehension questions, and reflection questions.
Homework: Complete page 1 of booklet.
Monday, March 19: We began reading Crispin today.
Homework: Read chapters 3-4.
Friday, March 9: Read! Make sure your thematic essay on Wonder is turned into Google Classroom.
Monday, March 5: Students worked on their rough draft. Tomorrow we will peer edit.
Homework: Final Essay due Friday!
Thursday, March 1: Library Day
Homework: Read! Go to sleep early. You don't want Mrs. Belote to out ski you, sleepyheads!
Tuesday/Wednesday, February 27/28: Students continued to work on their rough draft.
Homework: Submit your thesis statement and rainbow body paragraph to Google Classroom by Friday.
Thursday, February 22: Students continued to work on their thematic essay organizer. It is now due on Monday. They will an extra class period to work on it.
Homework: Thematic Essay Organizer due Monday! Complete context clues worksheet.
Wednesday, February 21: Students are working on a thematic essay organizer. We are focusing on using concrete details to support an idea and elaborating by using commentary to explain the evidence and how it supports our main idea.
Homework: Read. Thematic Essay Organizer due Friday! Context clues worksheet due this Friday. If you need more time, please let me know!
Tuesday, February 20: Today we reviewed how to use textual evidence and commentary in a body paragraph to support a claim.
Homework: Read. Thematic Essay Organizer due Friday!
Friday, February 16: Today we had a mini-lesson on organizing a body paragraph. Students should have an introductory sentence, concrete details (evidence from the text to support a claim), commentary (support sentences), and a conclusion. We will continue to work on this over the next week.
Homework: Organizer due next Friday
Wednesday, February 14: We discussed how to write an effective thesis statement.
Homework: Thesis statement due Friday! You will have Thursday to work on it.
Tuesday, February 13: Students began brainstorming ideas for a thematic essay on Wonder.
Homework: Read
Monday, February 12: Students presented their Family History Google Slideshow.
Homework: READ! Context Clues WS due February 23.
Wednesday, February 7: We are continuing to work on word busting strategies. Students also worked on creating their family history presentation. I am adding an extra work day. The rough draft is now due Friday and the presentations will take place on Monday.
Tuesday, February 6: Students completed a quick context clues warm-up and worked on their presentation
Homework: Rough draft of presentation due Thursday.
Monday, February 5: Spelling Bee
Homework: Read! Context Clues WS due February 23rd.
Friday, February 2: Students corrected their buddy letters and began working on their family history presentation.
Homework: Spelling Bee on Monday! Read. Context Clues worksheet due February 23.
Thursday, February 1: Library Day
Homework: Spelling Bee next week. Brainstorm ideas for your family history presentation.
Wednesday, January 31: We discussed what makes a good slide presentation. Students will use their family history interview to create a slide and oral presentation.
Homework: Read. Bring your library books to class on Thursday. Spelling Bee next week!
Tuesday, January 30: Students peer edited a classmate's letter. We reviewed The Lottery Quiz. Students received their STAR scores and we discussed reading goals.
Homework: Read and look for context clues.
Monday, January 29: Students wrote a letter to their Irving buddy.
Homework: Read and look for context clues!
Friday, January 26: Students completed an assessment on The Lottery.
Homework: Read
Thursday, January 25: Students completed the required STAR test today.
Homework: Vocabulary quiz on Friday. Study!
Tuesday, January 23: Today we finished discussing The Lottery and reviewed our vocabulary words. Students completed a short assessment on The Lottery.
Homework: STAR Reading Test on Thursday. Please go to bed early. :)
Friday, January 19: Today we discussed the theme and symbolism in the short story, The Lottery.
Homework: Due Thursday, January 25- Write sentences using our ten vocabulary words. Make sure to include context clues.
Thursday, January 18: Today we visited the library.
Homework: Due Tuesday, January 23- Write sentences using our ten vocabulary words.
Wednesday, January 17: Today we recorded terms and definitions for the short story, "The Lottery." We read the short story and will discuss it on Friday.
Homework: Review terms. Read your novel and think about the theme. Library day on Thursday!
Tuesday, January 16: Today we discussed "The Necklace" and used textual evidence to support answers.
Homework: Read and think about ironic situations.
Monday, January 15: Students should have completed the reading for "The Necklace" and the assessment questions. This should be submitted through CommonLit. Also, students need to select two vocabulary words from the short story, define them, and use them in a sentence.
Friday, January 12: We are reading "The Necklace" and will continue to talk about literary elements related to this short story.
Homework: FAMILY HISTORY INTERVIEW DUE MONDAY!
THURSDAY, January 11: Students edited a paragraph and presented their theme posters.
Homework: Read. Family history interview due Monday!
Wednesday, January 10: Students finished working on their theme posters. They will present tomorrow.
Homework: Read. Family history interview due Monday.
Tuesday, January 9th: Students continued to work on identifying the topic, theme, and plot of a story and including textual evidence to support the theme.
Homework: Family history interview due next Monday.
Monday, January 8th: Students revised a paragraph. We discussed topic, theme, and plot of a story.
Homework: Family history interview due next Monday.
Friday, January 5th: Today students had a short writing assignment and spent the rest of the class reading and completing the context clues worksheet.
Homework: Read and update your reading log.
Thursday, January 4: Today we went to the library and listened to a lesson on Digital Citizenship.
Homework: Read and update your reading log. Don't forget about the context clues worksheet you should complete while reading during this trimester.
Wednesday, January 3: Students completed a short writing response summarizing their winter break. We then discussed using context clues to "wordbust" when reading. Students should complete the context clues worksheet by February 16th. Thursday is library day! Be prepared.
Wednesday, December 20: Read a good book.
Tuesday, December 19: We continued to read Wonder.
Homework: Interview a family member over the break.
Monday: Today we continued to read Wonder. Students had class time to catch up on missing work or to read a novel.
Homework: Read! Interview a family member.
Friday: Students discussed family history interview questions. Over the next few weeks they need to interview a family member, preferably a grandparent or great grandparent. We will use this information in our Trimester 2 writing assignments.
Homework: READ
Thursday: Students worked on creating citations in the library.
Homework: GENETIC DISORDER BROCHURE IS DUE FRIDAY!
Wednesday, December 13: Students continued to work on their brochures. Thursday is a library day. We will work on citations and students will have the opportunity to print their brochures.
HOMEWORK: GENETIC DISORDER BROCHURE IS DUE FRIDAY!
Tuesday, December 12: Today we discussed parenthetical citations and students had the rest of the class to work on their brochure.
Homework: Be ready to print your brochure on Thursday during our library time. The Genetic Disorder Brochure is due Friday. Students will be graded on science content, ability to construct a well-written paragraph, citations, and organized research (notecard, folder...).
Monday, December 11: We discussed how to write a paragraph, how to cite sources, and the format for the genetic disorder brochure. Students will work on the brochure this week in CA class.
Homework: Work on the Genetic Disorder Brochure. Due Friday!
Friday, December 8: Students should revise and print a final copy of their narrative. The narrative will be placed in the conference form.
Homework: Print narrative.
Thursday, December 7: Students are working on creating a well-written paragraph for their genetic disorder brochure in science.
Homework: Revise your narrative and print your final copy.
Wednesday, December 6: Students worked on improving their narrative piece of writing.
Homework: READ!
Tuesday, December 4: We continued to read Wonder. Students are researching their genetic disorder.
Homework: Read and return all field trip and conference forms.
Monday, December 3: Today students had a "How to Research" mini-lesson.
Homework: Read
Friday, December 1: We began reading the book, Wonder in preparation for our field trip on December 20th to the Gallatin Regal Cinemas. We will also connect the book to our science standards on inheritance. Students presented their creatures today.
Homework: Read and return your conference forms!
Thursday, November 30: Library Day- Genre Activity
Homework: Creature Presentation on Friday!
Wednesday, November 29: Return conference form to your advisory teacher. Library Day on Thursday.
Homework: Bring library books to class. Creature Presentation is Friday.
Tuesday, November 28: RETURN CONFERENCE FORM TO YOUR ADVISORY TEACHER
Creature Description Presentation is due Friday
Tuesday, November 21: Students listened to a book called Turkey and Mr. Bear and wrote a letter from the perspective of the turkey.
Homework: READ! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 20: Students finished presenting their book talks. Students wrote a note thanking a person of their choice.
Homework: Read!
Friday, November 17: Students presented their book talks and did a fabulous job!
Homework: Read!
Thursday, November 16: Library Day
Homework: BOOK TALK DUE FRIDAY!
Wednesday, November 15: Students worked on the expository paragraph for the Museum of Rome project.
Homework: Library day is tomorrow. Please return books. BOOK TALK DUE FRIDAY!
Tuesday, November 14: Today students completed a mini-lesson on using transition words when writing. Students will apply this lesson to their expository paragraph they are writing for the Museum of Rome project.
Homework: Book Talk due Friday! You can present in front of the class or use FlipGrid to record your Book Talk!
Friday, November 10: Students continued to work on their Book Talk. They have the option of presenting it to the class next Friday or making a Flipgrid video.
Homework: Read and work on your book talk!
Thursday, November 9: Students used Quizlet to review book talk terms. You can access this website through our Google Classroom. Students are working on a book talk. They can pick any book they have read this trimester.
Homework: Book Talk presentation Friday, November 17th! Prepare now!
Wednesday, November 8: Students were introduced to our Book Talk Terms by interacting in a "Tea Party". Students then used Quizlet to get to know the terms better.
Homework: Work on your book talk. Book Talks- November 17
Tuesday, November 7: Students completed a self-evaluation on their Realistic Fiction Narrative.
Homework: Submit your narrative on our Google Classroom. Print a hardy copy and attach the rubric/self-evaluation. Turn into the Core 5 tray.
Friday, November 3: Today we discussed using strong verbs when writing. We will practice this next week. Students read their novels and looked for strong verbs.
Homework: Narrative due Wednesday!
November 2: Library Day
Homework: Read. Narrative due Wednesday!
November 1: Students continued to work on using a variety of different ways to begin a sentence. Students also peer edited.
Homework: Please bring your library book to class on Thursday. Library day!
October 31: Students continued to revise their narratives.
Homework: Final Narrative due next week!
Monday, October 30: Students worked in groups on revising a paragraph for beginning sentence variety. Students then revised their narrative for sentence variety.
Homework: Final Narrative due next week!
Friday, October 27: We continued to work on revisions for the narrative. We had a minilesson on varying the beginning of sentences when writing.
Homework: Take the quotation quiz or retake. Remember, you can look up rules as you take the quiz. The point is for you to know the rules exist and look them up when you can't remember.
Thursday, October 26: Today we peer edited a paper.
Homework: Take the noredink.com quiz if you haven't already. Read.
Wednesday, October 25: We are continuing to work on using quotations correctly when writing dialogue.
Homework: Make sure you have your rough draft on Thursday! We will peer edit.
Tuesday, October 24: Using noredink.com, students began a lesson on using quotations in dialogue. We will apply this knowledge to our narratives.
Homework: Read
Monday, October 23: We visited the library. Ms. Lohmiller taught a lesson on using the library database and how to cite the sources found in the database.
Homework: Bring your rough draft to class on Tuesday. We will begin the editing process soon!
Wednesday, October 18: Students continued to review how to use quotations marks and commas when writing dialogue. We discussed ping pong dialogue vs. descriptive dialogue.
Homework: Read. Rough draft due next Monday, October 23.
Tuesday, October 17: We reviewed where to put quotation marks and commas when writing dialogue.
Homework: Read. Rough draft due next Monday, October 23.
Monday, October 16: Students finished presenting their "showing" phrases and then worked on the narrative rough draft.
Homework: Rough Draft due next Monday, October 23rd. Read!
Thursday, October 12: Students enjoyed a reading day.
Homework: READ!
Wednesday, October 11: Students continued to work on their narrative. Mrs. Belote continued to conference with students.
Homework: Read
Tuesday, October 10: We are continuing to work on painting a vivid picture in the reader's head. Students created showing phrases from telling words.
Homework: Please make sure you turn in your lead and/or story organizer if you haven't already!
Monday, October 9: Students worked on their narrative rough draft. I will conference with each student this week and discuss their lead and story organizer.
Homework: READ!!
Friday, October 6: Students worked on the lead to their narrative and submitted it through Google Classroom.
Homework: READ! READ! READ! READ!
Thursday, October 5: Students have access online to the rubric that will be used to grade their lead/introduction paragraph that is due on Friday. We visited the library and Mrs. Wilson showed students several examples of how to do a book talk.
Homework: Work on your lead for your narrative.
Wednesday, October 4: Today we continued to discuss different ways to introduce a narrative. Students shared leads from their novels and then rewrote the novel lead using a different technique.
Homework: Write the lead to your paper. Due Friday! Library day on Thursday.
Tuesday, October 3: Today we discussed different ways to introduce a narrative.
Homework: Find and identify two different leads in your novel.
Monday, October 2: Today students used the mentor text, "Thirteen and a Half", to create a story arc.
Homework: Complete your story mountain organizer. Remember your realistic fiction narrative should be about a small moment.
Friday, September 29: Today while students read a novel of their choice, each student conferenced with Mrs. Belote on their story mountain organizer. Students need to make sure their story is a small moment
Homework: Read
Thursday, September 28: Today we worked on a Story Mountain Organizer for our realistic fiction narrative and began working on a rough draft.
Homework: Finish the Story Mountain Organizer. Bring a book to class on Friday.
Wednesday, September 27: Today we worked on a Story Mountain Organizer for our realistic fiction narrative.
Homework: Finish the Story Mountain Organizer
Tuesday, September 26: Today we used a mentor text to complete a Realistic Fiction Scavenger Hunt on revealing the setting and character traits through dialogue and showing sentences. Students were introduced to the Narrative Writing Rubric.
Homework: Read!
Monday, September 25: Students finished sharing their "Where I'm From" poems. We read David Quammen's nonfiction piece on Sympathy for the Devil (mosquitoes) and saw how nonfiction can be turned into realistic fiction after reading Megan Walker's Mosquito Story. We are using Walker's story as a mentor text.
Homework: Read!
Friday, September 22: Some students shared their "Where I'm From" poems. They did an awesome job!
Homework: Read!
Thursday, September 21: Today we visited the library and explored different genres.
Homework: Read! Pick a topic for your realistic fiction narrative.
Wednesday, September 20: Today we began to develop our character for the realistic fiction essay. Students practiced using dialogue and actions to reveal traits of the main character.
Homework: Read and think about how your author has developed the character through actions and dialogue.
Tuesday, September 19: Today we brainstormed ideas for a realistic fiction essay.
Homework: Come to class with 3 ideas for a realistic fiction essay. Remember to submit your "Where I'm From" poem on our Google Classroom site.
Monday, September 18: Today we revised and finalized the "Where I'm From" poems. They look great! Lots of showing phrases. Nice job, Core 5!
Homework: Students should submit their final product through Google Classroom and print a hard copy to turn into the Core 5 tray.
Friday, September 15: We read a novel of our choice and looked for showing sentences that helped develop the setting or characters in the book.
Homework: Finish Pre-Write if you haven't already. Relax and read.
Thursday, September 14: We continued to practice changing a telling sentence into a showing sentences. Students worked in groups on their "Where I'm From" poem.
Homework: Finish Pre-Write for "Where I'm From" and bring a book to class on Friday.
Wednesday, September 13: Today we practiced changing telling sentences into showing sentences. Students began working on a template for a "Where I am From" poem.
Homework: Complete at least HALF of the template/pre-write for your "Where I'm From" poem. Remember, keep it simple right now.
Tuesday, September 12: Today we continued brainstorming ideas for a "Where I'm From" poem. They started a sensory brainstorm to jump start their pre-write.
Homework: Work on Sensory Brainstorm (brain dump) Nothing fancy yet! We will work on developing your brain dump into more elaborate, detailed phrases tomorrow. Use the taste, smell, hear, touch, see chart to come up with words that describe where you are from.
Monday, September 11: Today we read George Ella Lyons poem "Where I'm From." We practiced annotating a piece of writing and discussed the power of words to paint a picture in the reader's head.
Homework: Complete a circle brainstorm on ideas for your "Where I'm From" poem.
Friday, September 8: Today we discussed our expectations for our Reading Log and students enjoyed an independent reading day.
Homework: Relax and read a book.
Thursday, September 7: Today we visited our new library. Students had an orientation and an opportunity to check out books.
Homework: Complete individual PIESS sentences. Bring book to class on Friday.
Wednesday, September 6: Today students finished their group paragraphs, citing textual evidence to support the PIESS Framework.
Homework: PIESS Framework sentences due Friday. You will have time in class on Thursday to work on this and can ask questions if you need help.
Tuesday, September 5: Today we worked on Standard 7.RI.1 Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. We will continue to work on our group paragraphs on Wednesday.
Homework: Read a book of your choice.
Friday, September 1: Read a book and enjoy your weekend.
Thursday, August 31: Bring a book to class. Finish your "Get to Know You" Book
Wednesday, August 30th: Bring a book to class. Please return the CA/SS disclosure form.
Tuesday, August 29th : Welcome to seventh grade communication arts! Please return your disclosure form by Friday.