Learning Reflections

Feature Article: Final Stages Guidelines

End of Year: Grammar Assessment: Guidelines

Grammar Units Covered:
Subjects and Predicates
Sentence Clauses

Word Choice

Parallel Structure

Comparatives and Superlatives

Opening and Delayed Adjectives and Adverbs

Phrases: Absolute Appositive Infinitive (1)

Phrases:  Participle, Gerund, and Infinitive

Writing Units

Memoirs

Research Based Article

Crafting Engaging Poetry

Realistic Fiction Writing

Feature Article

H/W: Feature Articles are due on Friday.

Documentary Styles: Look at these ideas for how documentaries can be put together.

NonFiction Reading Assessment

Reminder: No switching of seats while I am out today. 
Reminder: Drop your RR in the RR file on the right side of the blog. 8  C/D students  have not dropped their files  7 E/F students also need to drop their files too! - I will be locking this file tonight!

NonFiction Reading Assessment
You will use this article: Read, Kids Read. You are welcome to prepare notes on the article and bring them to class.  

You must:

1) Write a claim about the article (opening paragraph)

2) Explain your claim in detail  ( 2-3 paragraphs)

3) Conclude your claim by revisiting your key points ( 1 short paragraph )

You will also receive a writing grade for this piece. Be sure to express your ideas as articulately as possible using precise word choice, strong advanced sentences (you should integrate some appositives and absolutes if possible)

Non-Fiction Rubric

Your finished piece should go into these files. MAKE YOU LINK PUBLIC

• 
  
• E/F Class Reading Responses
• C/D Class Reading Responses

You will have approx. 45mins to write AND explain your claim about a Nonfiction article. You may use the article. MAKE your link public!

Use this link to go to: Phrases Test

Feature Article Kickers

Article Design: You will be expected to answer these questions with respect to your Feature Article graphic design in your 'craft moves' video

1. 
   
2. Where did your colors come from and why did you choose them?
3. Explain your font choice.
4. How does your choice of colors and font enhance the meaning of your article?
5. Explain how you are using the design principles (contrast, alignment, repetition, and/or proximity) as you start to design your layout?
6. 
   

This link gives you some design examples: Feature Article Design Examples

Writing

H/W - Your Feature Article first draft should be finished by Wednesday. In class Wednesday, you can use the session to redraft, edit and compose your -Craft Moves Video ( This can be a screen recording) 
 Feature Article Rubric 

Reading Classes
Tomorrow, you will do your in class Non-Fiction Reading Response. You may use any notes that you have already prepared for the NF article. Those students who have not had their own article approved by me in advance MUST use this article
Non Fiction Reading Response Rubric

Printed color copy of your Feature Article is due: FRIDAY - There is no resubmission for this piece. It must be turned in on time.  You will also email me a pdf. copy (I'll explain how to do this later in the week)

Phrases Commercial

Enjoy these performances from your classmates

Notice and Note: Introduction

Membean Student Survey
Book Club Discussion notes file

Improve you analysis of fiction (and non-fiction) with these signposts.
Notice and Note Signposts


Next Monday: Phrases Test and Designing your Feature Article in Pages

Next Tuesday: NF article summative test.
Next Wednesday: Redrafting and Editing Feature Article/ Creation of Craft Moves Video. FYI:  Feature Article Rubric 
Next Thursday: Notice and Note Practice
Next Friday: End of Year Grammar Review Assignment &
Feature Article Celebration.

Notice and Note: Overview

Hooks and NutGrafs

This file is an example of opening Hooks and Nut Grafs

Due: Tomorrow - Your video grammar file on phrases.

Make sure you meet the required amount of Membean practice. (10mins of practice will happen in tomorrow's class)

H/W: Writing Class
You should all have a completed lead and nut graf for Friday's class. By next Monday, you should have approx 75% of your piece finished. Monday, we will  briefly discuss kickers, conclusions. Tuesday, you will work on the design of your feature article. Wednesday, will be redrafting and editing.Thursday, you will craft your Feature Article craft moves video. Friday, we will celebrate.

Closing date for resubmitted work file is tomorrow. 
Work cannot be resubmitted after this date. This file will be closed at 8pm Friday. (If you are doing a retake, you can still do retakes of tests next week.) 

Writing Sophisticated NF Claims

Homebase Info
Devon your turn to share your passions. Kira & Min Jung, you can go tomorrow if you would like to.

Lesson Recap
Use this link for your article: Writing Sophisticated Claims

Notice the progression below of a simple claim (that discusses observations and patterns) and a more sophisticated claim (that discusses the purpose of the patterns or the text in a wider context).

Look at these pieces from Jen and David that move their thinking to the wider context

Reading Classes
H/W Membean 50 mins (30 in class)
Most people have not selected an article for themselves for  Friday's in class summative NF reading assessment. Therefore, you will use this article: Read, Kids Read. You are welcome to prepare notes on the article and bring them to class.  Your video commercials are due on FRIDAY. Place them on your blog when finished with the script below. Color code your use of the phrases

Writing Classes
Reminder: The Phrases Grammar test is moved to Monday - Use the links to practice
G/H Class - Your videos are due on your blog by Monday. Place them on your blog when finished with the script below. Color code your use of the phrases

Think Creatively - Hopefully this video will help inspire you to come out with good ideas for  your video. Thanks Ethan for sharing.

Application of Phrases

H/W - Writing Classes: You must spend about 15 mins working on your phrases script/video with your partner. Link to Mentor Text: MouthBlast Toothpaste

Grammar Review:  

You must use a wide variety of absolute, prepositional and appositive phrases to create an advertising campaign to sell a product of your choice. ( A minimum of x3 examples of each type of phrase should be in your skit.) 

Grammar Test on Phrases will be on Monday19th due the shortened week.

Example

Lesson Recap:  Remember to ensure a high use of domain specific language in your piece. Perhaps even use the bold text feature or italics to make that language stand out. Expert writers often place a glossary in their article of advanced terminology. Finally, remember to always find synonyms to refer to the topic of your article. e.g. An article about MERS might use: this disease, this illness, an epidemic of this proportion etc...when referring to the idea. 

Opening Eyes

Today's graphic design link attached here: graphic design tips and tricks

C/D Class - What can you learn from watching this piece?  You are the one responsible for ensuring that you and the people around you are learning.



Next Week:

Reading Classes: You will need to show me the article that you plan to use for your in class RR before Thursday.

Friday: Phrases  Grammar Test (Relative, Absolute, Prepositional, and Appositive)

These are the practice exercises from the unit that you should tackle before next Friday.

Because I love to do grammar 1

Because I love to do grammar 2

How to add absolute phrases to your writing.

Practice Exercise

Don’t you have something tougher teacher!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQkekSGr9q8

A gift...

This is the best video I've seen! It is the best gift you will get this year if you know how to value it. (Thank you to Nathan for sharing it).


Grammar Unit 4 Prepositional Phrases

Writing Sophisticated NF Claims

Review of Today's Session: Writing Sophisticated Claims

Make a copy of this doc. Sophisticated claims

Remember the continuum of claims we learned today.

Other  examples of basic to sophisticated claims. Can you see which level is which?

Reading Classes: Next Friday, you will do your 'in class' summative paper on NF reading. Between now and then you must bring in an article that you plan to use, so I can approve it.  If you do not chose your own article, you will be given one in class on the day. - Not having time to read the article in advance will make this task harder. (You are welcome to think about your claim beforehand, but you will do the writing in class)

Well done - Your claims showed growth. We still have work to do to get them into the 'context' category...but we have made a great start.

Writing Classes
I am not in class tomorrow. You will use the session to draft out a pencil and paper outline for your finished feature article.  YOU MUST BRING THIS OUTLINE TO CLASS ON FRIDAY. (Your H/W is to make sure it is finished)

Writing Like an Expert

Remember: Your feature article should be written in a way that makes you sound like an expert. Don't forget to use these tips and tricks to ensure you are 'teaching' your readers.
1) Write about the images, photos and tables

2) Don't write like a robot, write like a teacher

A. On July 20, 1969, men landed on the moon. - NO - Boring dull facts!

B. In all directions the land was flat. The horizon was broken only by the rims of distant craters. They could see boulders and ridges. Close at hand, small craters pockmarked the surface; small rocks and pebbles were scattered everywhere. It was July 20th 1969, and this was probably the sight that met the first men who landed on the moon. YES - Engaging while still including facts

3) Can you use the 'teaching voice heard frequently in  online documentaries ?

Reading Classes H/W: Due Wednesday.

You must read the article given and be ready to discuss it in class on Wednesday. You will be expected to take notes on the article. Being prepared for a discussion is a learning standard you are being assessed on. DO NOT FORGET TO DO THIS

H/W Reading Classes
Membean - 45mintues this week. (30 at home)

You should be finished with your NF note-taking by Wednesday.   Think about what text structure graphic organizers you will use to structure your notes.

Visual Note Taking

We THINK in pictures, we write with words - why not bring these together?

How can you take notes in a way that shows you truly understand a concept?


The Friday Message.
We have all at some time in our lives been the person being referred to in this post. What can be learned from this person's thoughts? (Thanks Jen's Dad)
What Students Really Need to Hear

Reading for Bias

Reminder: Homebase 
Sharing your passion: David (Fri)
Snack: Timmy (we missed last week)

How do you spot bias in text?
C/D Class Answers
E/F Class Answers

Hero or Traitor?
Discussion Source #1
Discussion Source #2



Independent Practice: Can you identify the bias in one of the articles below?
Option 1
Option 2

Can you spot bias in the media around you?

+1 - What did you learn today about bias? -  Add a comment to win

Reading
H/W Find a site/article/video that you believe shows bias. Give at least 3 reasons for why you believe there are elements of bias in the piece.
Due: Fri

Writing Classes: Reminder
Do not forget that you will be doing your Research Plan presentation to me on Friday.

Last night the Singapore International Student Film Festival had its awards ceremony. 1st Place!!!! - Great work boys.

BEST NARRATIVE WINNER: You have got to make those gains by Aryaman Sharman (with help from Jackson R.)

Research Plan

All Classes:  Research Plan Presentation

You will have to 'apply' for a research grant from the world renowned Ruxton University of Boston for  funding to complete your doctorate dissertation. This application will be a short presentation to the head of the university, Dr. Ruxton. The presentation will be an outline of your research plan. The plan must include:

a) An explanation of the main topic and subtopics you plan to research 

b) The principals of authority you plan to use in their research

c) The list of the main sources you plan to use for your research 

d) An explanation of why the sources they have selected in section c) are credible 

The presentation format is a short speech 1:1 to Dr. Ruxton in Friday's class. (Grant applicants-the students- may present their  research plan as a youtube video if they choose.) - Due Frida

Reading Classes
Reminders: Membean and Blogposts (see earlier posts for details)

Tuesday Homebase Time
Homebase: Use this link here to the the 1:1 Computer survey in HB

Text Evidence Lens

Reading for Text Evidence: Recap

Reading Class H/W - Last week's H/W
I will extend the due date for 'family word choice analysis until Wednesday. - This is graded!
1) Follow the word choice protocol
2) Identify patterns from words collected
3) Interpret patterns   and offer an analysis

Tonight's reading H/W (Due: Wed) - Close Reading Text Evidence Practice
Study the evidence you choose for  yourself. Look at your bedroom, your wardrobe, you music, your friends. Make a list of  all of the ‘things’ in your life.  What patterns can you see? What do these patterns say about you?By examining the main things you surround yourself by, the text evidence in this case, you should be able to draw some profound conclusions about yourself. Present your results in a blog post similar to last time. Approx. length of text - short paragraph supported by an image if possible.

Membean: Total 40minutes this week (20 at home) - By Friday

Writing Classes Reminder!
Make sure you have your list of sources for your research project and at  least one book or magazine for Tuesday's class. Many of you will have chosen to organize your sources on a pinterest board.

Word Choice: Close Reading

Reading Classes
Reminder: Your close reading piece on a sibling's word choice is due tomorrow

See these samples below:

Effective Research

How do you conduct effective research?
C/D Class Answers
E/F Class Answers
G/H Class Answers

All Classes: (Due: Next Tuesday)
H/W: You must have at least 3 different sources for your research topic for next Tuesday's class.
One of them must be a book or magazine.  Websites count as one source. Online encyclopaedias, principles of authority is each a different source.  Interviews or observations from videos are both different sources.
- In all likelihood, this means that you will need to go to the library some time between now and  next Tuesday.

SAS Databases:  (Get passwords from your teacher)

You may ask your parents for advice/suggestions on how what sources to use for your research.

You will need a pinterest account where your sources are all collected by next Thur

Reading Classes: Uses Word Choice to Close Read: Mentor

Using your 'Close Reading Protocol,'   Write a blog post that interprets your a parent or siblings word choice over the next 3 days. Make a list of all the words they use that stand out to you, then apply the protocol. You will be amazed by what you discover! (Due: Next Mon.) This will be assessed!

Check yesterday's post so that you are clear about the writing H/W for tomorrow.


Kudos to Min Jung for her excellent work from today's session.
What makes this piece so strong? +1 for responses

and this was only half of her work today!

Google SmartSearch

H/W All Classes (Due: Fri)
Homework Task: Go to this site and bring a list of 4 ways you can conduct a smarter search using google. Smartsearch

You will write your answers in the section for H/W of your own Feature Article Unit:
M.L#4 Narrowing Topics Based on Available Sources

Reading Classes
10minutes of Membean by Friday

FYI
 Another example of a RR that carries a claim throughout the response and also makes reference to reading skills covered.

MAP Feedback?

Any questions, words, concepts that you encountered on the MAP that you would like explaining? 

Write your question as a comment. +1 for each approved question. 

MAP Week

Due to MAP tests and the Science Field Trip, there is no H/W Mon, Tue, &
Wed night this week. 

Use the extra time to read! 
Optional: You can still use the links from last Thursday post to practice for tomorrow's Language Usage MAP. These exercises are VERY useful practice. 
Test Question Database:  (this is still open for use) Take the time to look at some of the replies. Especially capitalization rules!

Optional: Membean practice. 

Side note: Many of you still have not submitted your April RR. The window for resubmission on this closes this FRI.

This is an excellent mentor text that shows how a claim can be structured throughout an entire response.

M.A.P. Day 4

Test Question Database: Use this google doc. to copy/paste or screenshot any questions that you encounter that you do not understand. 

Optional Practice:  I cannot set H/W over the break, but I will put these activities on that are VERY beneficial. It is your choice if you do them over the break. Perhaps choose one exercise per day or at least one or two?

Plural and Possessive Nouns

MAP Practice Test  (these are good to practice the MAP question format.

Verb Tenses Test

Comma Splice and Fused Sentences

Reading Test - This is really worth it!
Capitalization Rules

For those super keen students. This link (Database of Practice Assessments) contains a wide variety of exercises. Enjoy!

Text Features Recap

#1 ADVANCED WARNING: Deadline to resubmit ANY previous/future incomplete assignment: May 16th 2014.

#2 ADVANCED WARNING: Many of your formative scores are being doubled (weighted higher) as we go into the end of the semester).  You should be showing your very BEST work at this stage; therefore,  the grade weighting system will reflect this. 

#3  Forty Book Challenge. Will  you get there?  - You should be over 30 books by now!

M.A.P. DAY 3

Grammar H/W (For NEXT THURSDAY - ALL CLASSES)

Homework Task:  Support: How to add absolute phrases to your writing.

Video Recap: Absolutes

Bring an image of an evil movie star or famous monster on a google doc. See example.

#Bonus TEST Taking TIP
Often students get the wrong answer because they answer questions based on what 'they' think. Questions that ask your  opinion DON'T really want your opinion - They want  what the 'AVERAGE' person's may think, say, or do.  e.g. In the question below, it is not where YOU would go, it is where the AVERAGE person would go. This accounts for almost 10% of errors. - First and only time I will give you this advice. "Think like an 'average' person!

Test Question Database: Use this google doc. to copy/paste or screenshot any questions that you encounter that you do not understand. You may not understand what the question is asking or why your answer is wrong. Putting your name next to the question is optional. Check back to this file often to learn

TEST PREP H/W All classes
All Classes (Due: Thur)

Language Tests

Proficient Level Proficient Test 3

Advanced Level Advanced Test 3 

Bonus Test - If you are bored - Vocabulary Building

Reading Tests

Proficient Level: Proficient Test 3

Advanced Level: Advanced Test 3  

Know your Audience - Once you know your audience - You  will  know exactly what you need to research!

Think Entry: Mentor Text

Watch THIS! - What do you think you should do after watching it?.. Do it!

M.A.P. Day 2

TIGERTALES - Those people who have submit their Tigertale, you must make sure your name is on the paper at the top with the grade level. Your work will immediately be rejected if you leave off this information. The teacher doing this has almost 900 pieces to look at. Follow her guidelines!

Test Question Database: Use this google doc. to copy/paste or screenshot any questions that you encounter that you do not understand. You may not understand what the question is asking or why your answer is wrong. Putting your name next to the question is optional. Check back to this file often to learn

All Classes (Due: Wed)

Language Tests

Proficient Level Proficient Test 2

Advanced Level Advanced Test 2 (11 questions in total)

Reading Tests

Proficient Level: Proficient Test 2

Advanced Level: Advanced Test 2  

Don't forget to use the Test Question Database!

Students who did not  complete the 'writing like an expert'  or correctly 'drop' their Feature Article Unit need to turn this piece in now via Resubmitted Assignments  on the right side of the blog. The window to receive a grade on this piece closes on Monday 21st April

ADVANCED WARNING: Deadline to resubmit ANY previous/future incomplete assignment: May 16th 2014. This is just so people realize that they cannot wait until the last minute and resubmit pieces of work at the end of the school year in an attempt to raise  the grade!

Text Structure Lens: Mentor

Remember - there is ALWAYS a reason why a text is structured in a certain way. 

M.A.P. Test Practice: DAY 1

This week, you will be doing some MAP practice tests to better prepare for M.A.P. Standardized Tests.

Step 1: Vocabulary - Choose 20 terms from the M.A.P. 'question' vocabulary list that you are unfamiliar with and create a quizlet file that explains this vocabulary. 

Step 2: Make a copy of this file: MAP Testing: Tips and Tricks

All Classes are Expected to Complete the MAP practice tests this week.

Day 1 H/W Practice (Choose the level that you are the most comfortable with). You must complete 2 practice tests each day. (One from each section)

Language Tests

Proficient Level Proficient Test 1

Advanced Level Advanced Test 1

Reading Tests

Proficient Level: Proficient Test 1

Advanced Level: Advanced Test 1

EVIDENCE of H/W: You must do a screen shot of your completed test scores each day and have them on your desktop for inspection as evidence of completion 

Vocabulary H/W
There is NO Membean H/W this week. You must spend 5-10mins each evening praticing your 20 MAP testing words.  At the bottom of your MAP Tips and Tricks file, you must state HOW you practiced these words each night Mon-Thur (e.g. - Used quizlet). Use screen shots as evidence

Test Question Database: Use this google doc. to copy/paste or screenshot any questions that you encounter that you do not understand. You may not understand what the question is asking or why your answer is wrong. Putting your name next to the question is optional. Check back to this file often to learn

CHange Harman Students to SAS Students and OATs to M.A.P.s

The Power of Structure

"People prioritize what they value" - What did you learn about structure today that helps you not just in non-fiction reading and writing but also life!  +1 for comments!!!

Step 3 Tigertales Submission - I hope many more of you will take the time to submit a piece!


Drop your work here: Tigertales Submission.   - I will go over this next week and check through your work before final submission to Mrs. Clark.

Poetry Portfolio Files

C/D Class Poetry Portfolio

E/F Class  Poetry Portfolio

G/H Class Poetry Portfolio

ADVANCED WARNING: Deadline to resubmit assignments: May 16th 2014. 

This is just so people realize that they cannot wait until the last minute and resubmit pieces of work at the end of the school year in an attempt to raise  the grade!

Generating Research Topics

Make sure you have 'dropped' your 'Feature Article Unit'  into dashboard, so I can inspect your H/W from earlier in the week. 

All Classes H/W
1) Grammar Recap: Your Gossip Girl Scripts are due: Next Mon
2) Homework Task: Because I love to do grammar (Take a screen shot of the finished exercise and put it in your grammar H/W section for ML# 2 as evidence) The video is VERY important. It shows you when you can just infer the relative prounoun. This H/W takes 5mins to complete!

Lesson Recap: Going for Content to Curiosity

Use these links for online topic searches

1) Look at the headlines at yahoo.com (Make sure you are on the U.S. site)

2) New Articles and Research Topics. Use this class code when asked: KZMAC

3) This site also has good ideas for topics http://www.bbc.co.uk/iwonder

By the end of today's session, you should have a minimum of 5 'areas of curiosity' - that you might take deeper into the research process.

Truth Survey

Our class has been selected to pilot a new Student Feedback program that gets input from students on how they feel about the teaching and learning they are exposed to.

Access the survey here
Middle School: http://sasms14a.youthtruthsurvey.org/ 

Timmy HB - Share your Passion Day!!!

H/W. No new H/W tonight. Make sure you use  the rest of the week to stay up to date with H/W set earlier in the week.

Reading Classes
Reminders: Membean Test Friday.
Next Reading Response: Due Next TUE (this is the last extension!) - Make sure you are establishing a 'STRONG' claim!