Week 20 Update and Schedule

I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break.  I certainly did and I'm looking forward to a fantastic second-half of the school year.  Thank you for the many generous gifts and cards; I can't tell you how appreciative I am and how such kindnesses really made my holiday special.

Next week, we will begin "Fight with Facts", our Argumentative/Research Paper Unit.  I'm really excited about this one, students will learn valuable, life-long critical thinking and research skills as they research a topic.  The cool thing is that students will learn to examine both sides of an issue, then form a thesis and back it up with facts.  Look for more information next week.

I've graded all Book Reports that were handed in.  I was pleased with the majority of the reports, I know it the concept of film/book analysis was new and hard for some. I was proud of students for trying and giving 100%.  Some students struggled and scored low.  After grading all book reports, it seems that there was some misunderstanding with instructions.  I am happy to have students revise and hand in their reports again for a higher grade.  On Thursday, I'll pass around a sign-up sheet if students want to meet briefly before or after school, do a writer's conference and then re-work their report.

Please check PowerSchool and look at grades.  Some grades are low right now because some students haven't completed their Book Reports or their library Utah Expedition Question.  Encourage your student to catch up as soon as possible.

It's a short week, here is our schedule.  Again, thanks for your continued support and please feel free to contact me anytime by email, rachel.robins@washk12.org or at the school at (435) 652-4742.

Thursday, January 2, 2014
*Reading Check (anyone who read and recorded their reading will receive extra effort points)
*Hand Back Book Report Scoring Sheets/Sign-ups for Writer's Conferences & Revisions
*Scope Magazine Paired Text Practice

Friday, January 3, 2014
*Random Student
*Gecko Enrichment: Scope Magazine-Superbugs Activity
*Homework Hall: Students with Missing Assignments

Week 19 Update and Schedule

It's been a fun week in class as we have finished our Book-to-Movie Unit and completed Benchmark testing.  I am thrilled to report that most students have improved their reading scores.  This weekend, I am creating Reading Profiles for each student to bring home and share with their families.  These profiles will show your child's reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension scores for 1st and 2nd trimester as well as a few suggestions to help them improve their reading. This should certainly be a time of celebration because students are improving and I am so proud of them.

Please remember that the Book-to-Film Powerpoint Book Report is due Wednesday, December 18th.  Initially, I didn't think there would be time in class to work on these but I became concerned about the students finishing on time and having the resources to complete the task.  The LA team was able to rework our schedule so we will dedicate Tuesday and Wednesday to finishing book reports.  I've reminded students that this means they must have their book read and movie viewed by Monday.  I would also recommend they start on their book report at home as well and plan on finishing in class.

Friday, December 20th will be our in-class Christmas Party.  Classes voted on a coco party.  I am bringing filtered water and a coco machine.  Students have signed up to bring various supplies, please check with you child and see if they remembered to tell you if they did or did not.

During this time of gratitude and reflection on the year, I am so blessed to be able to be part of your child's life.  I love the students I teach and I am continually impressed by their hard work, kindness and achievement.  It is truly a pleasure to be with them at Lava Ridge each day.  I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and I'm looking forward to a fantastic second half of the school year.

No Utah-in-the-News this week...

Week 19 Schedule

December 16-20

Monday, December 16th

Calendar Wk. 19/Reading Check for Wk. 18
Motivational Monday Video
Reader's Theater: The Gift of the Magi
 Learning Objective: I can be organized by showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes. I can practice my reading and listening skills during Reader's Theater.

Tuesday, December 17th

Work on Book Reports in C-Lab
Learning Objective:  I will show my analysis skills learned during the Book-to-Film Unit as I work on completing my Book-to-Film Powerpoint Book Report

Wednesday, December 18th
Work on Book Reports in class with Chromebooks
Book Reports due by the end of the school day
AM Reading Club Only
Learning Objective:  I will show my analysis skills learned during the Book-to-Film Unit as I complete my Book-to-Film Powerpoint Book Report

Thursday, December 19th
Library
Fine Arts Assembly
Learning Objective:  I can learn  information text skills during Library Time.

Friday, December 20th
Class Christmas Party w/ Christmas Literature
Learning Objective: I can celebrate the holidays and academic success (hooray for Reading Scores) with my class and enjoy some Christmas literature with Mrs. Robins.

Week 18 Update and Schedule

It's been a fun week of Book-to-Film analysis!  Remember that Book-to-Film Book Reports are due on December 18th.  I have given students a paper copy of instructions, additionally, online instructions are found on the left side of the home page of this blog (see "Book to Film Book Report Instructions).  Students without computer access at home have been given a paper template to use.  Otherwise, students may use Microsoft Power Point or Google Presentations to create (and share with me or email) their report.  I am hoping to have a little time in class after Benchmark testing on Monday and Tuesday for students to begin working on their reports.  Remember, students must read their novel first, then watch the movie.

Scholastic Book Orders are due on Monday, December 9th.  Please order through the blog this month (see the Scholastic link on the left).  Many students have received a Free Book Voucher for excellent work, this is a great time to redeem them. I 'll put the order in on the 9th and they will arrive before Christmas.

As a school, we are collecting gently-used and new stuffed animals to donate to Bank of American Fork's "Project Teddy Bear" which gives the toys to children in need.  Please have your student bring donations to their 1st Period class.  Donations will be accepted until Friday, December 13th.

*Remember to keep reading at home (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) and record it in your planner!  I love working with such amazing students--it is so fun and I'm so proud of their hard work.  As always, please contact me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or call 435-652-4742 with any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Utah-the-News 

Presenting Friday, December 13th

1st Period: Derek Rush, Brooke Peterson, Carson Olmstead

2nd Period:  *Isabella Wood, *Sebastian Bautista, Chance Barney, Brianna Bennett, Sauni Nio

4th Period:  *Jacob Thalmann, Brinklie Shotwell (absent), Tyler Clove, Haleigh Donleavy, Braden Esplin
5th Period:  Dalton Bowler, Kirk Brown, Tory Campbell
6th Period: *Skylar Avery, Faith Weaver, Nate Tamplin, Zach Stratton

Week 18 Schedule

December 9th-13th

Monday, December 9th

Calendar Wk. 18/Reading Check for Wk. 17
Reading Benchmark Tests--Meet in D Lab
Work on Book Reports
 Learning Objective: I can be organized by showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can demonstrate my reading skills during Benchmark testing.

Tuesday, December 10th

Reading Benchmark Tests-Meet in D Lab
Work on Book Reports
Learning Objective:  I can demonstrate my reading skills during Benchmark testing.

Wednesday, December 11th
Book-to-Film Analysis: Plot
Harry Potter I & Percy Jackson Movie Clips
Learning Activity #5
AM/PM Wednesday Reading Club
Learning Objective: I can note differences between novel and film and see how directors and authors use different techniques to cover an entire plot.

Thursday, December 12th
Work on Book Reports
Library
Learning Objective:  I can work on my Book-to-Film Book Report and show my analysis skills.  I can learn  information text skills during Library Time.

Friday, December 13th
Random-Student-of-the-Week
Utah-in-the-News
Gecko Time: Enrichment, Reteaching or Homework Hall
Learning Objective: I can practice listening and/or speaking skills during Utah-in-the-News.  If I am caught-up on all my work, I will celebrate learning in Enrichment.  If I did not pass the Post-Unit Figurative Language test or understand the concept, I will attend Reteaching.  If I am missing assignments, I will be in Homework Hall.

What You Missed on Week 17

If you missed a day of Week 17--here are the clips we watched, the excerpts of novels we read and what you need to do to catch-up.  Please show me your finished work.

Monday, December 2nd :  We did a Venn Diagram on Books and Movies in general (Learning Activity #1)  You will need to get a copy from me in class.

Tuesday, December 3rd: We focused on how (characters) Harry Potter, Dudley, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon are portrayed in the book and in the movie.  You will need to watch the following clip, read the passage below and fill out Learning Activity #2 in your packet. We also noted how different camera angles and camera focus emphasized the traits and personalities of characters.
*We took notes on film elements as well that you will need to get from me before or after school. There are other clips I used for examples but just worry about the ones that are tied into the learning activity.

Harry Potter, “The Sorcerer’s Stone”

Page 4

　Harry looked nothing like the rest of the family. Uncle Vernon was large and neckless, with an enormous black mustache; Aunt Petunia was horse-faced and bony; Dudley was blond, pink, and porky. Harry, on the other hand, was small and skinny, with brilliant green eyes and jet-black hair that was always untidy. He wore round glasses, and on his forehead was a thin, lightning-shaped scar.

　　It was this scar that made Harry so particularly unusual, even for a wizard. This scar was the only hint of Harry's very mysterious past, of the reason he had been left on the Dursleys' doorstep eleven years before.

　　At the age of one year old, Harry had somehow survived a curse from the greatest Dark sorcerer of all time, Lord Voldemort, whose name most witches and wizards still feared to speak. Harry's parents had died in Voldemort's attack, but Harry had escaped with his lightning scar, and somehow - nobody understood why Voldemort's powers had been destroyed the instant he had failed to kill Harry.

　　So Harry had been brought up by his dead mother's sister and her husband. He had spent ten years with the Dursleys, never understanding why he kept making odd things happen without meaning to, believing the Dursleys' story that he had got his scar in the car crash that had killed his parents.

Wednesday, December 4th

Today we focused on Setting in the book and movie.  Setting is the time or place where things happen in the movie.  You will need to read the excerpt from Harry Potter #1 and watch the clip--looking for how the Setting is the same or different.  We also paid attention to sound.  After reading the excerpt and viewing the clip, you will need to fill out Learning Activity #3 and show me when you are finished.

 

From “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling

The train slowed right down and finally stopped. People pushed their way toward the door and out on to a tiny, dark platform. Harry shivered in the cold night air. Then a lamp came bobbing over the heads of the students, and Harry heard a familiar voice: "Firs' years! Firs' years over here! All right there, Harry?"

　　Hagrid's big hairy face beamed over the sea of heads.

　"C'mon, follow me -- any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!"

　　Slipping and stumbling, they followed Hagrid down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path. It was so dark on either side of them that Harry thought there must be thick trees there. Nobody spoke much. Neville, the boy who kept losing his toad, sniffed once or twice.

　　"Ye' all get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend here."

　　There was a loud "Oooooh!"

　　The narrow path had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black take. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.

　　"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Harry and Ron were followed into their boat by Neville and Hermione. "Everyone in?" shouted Hagrid, who had a boat to himself. "Right then -- FORWARD!"

　　And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.  "Heads down!" yelled Hagrid as the first boats reached the cliff; they all bent their heads and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbor, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles.

The door swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and Harry's first thought was that this was not someone to cross.

　　"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.

　　"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here."

　　She pulled the door wide. The entrance hall was so big you could have fit the whole of the Dursleys' house in it. The stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.  They followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. Harry could hear the drone of hundreds of voices from a doorway to the right -the rest of the school must already be here -- but Professor McGonagall showed the first years into a small, empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.

Thursday, December 5th

Today, you will need to write Analysis #1 in your packet where you will choose if you think characters and setting are depicted better in the book or the movie (Harry Potter 1) and why that is so.  You will need to do an entire paragraph, using lots of examples to back-up your idea.

Friday, December 6th

Today, we are focusing on how a single Event is shown in the book and movie.  Again, Harry Potter #1, the Sorting Hat scene. Pay attention to color.  After reading the excerpt and viewing the clip, you will need to fill out Learning Activity #4 and show me when you are finished.

THE SORTING HAT

　　The door swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and Harry's first thought was that this was not someone to cross.

　　"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid.

　　"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here."

　　She pulled the door wide. The entrance hall was so big you could have fit the whole of the Dursleys' house in it. The stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.

　　They followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. Harry could hear the drone of hundreds of voices from a doorway to the right -the rest of the school must already be here -- but Professor McGonagall showed the first years into a small, empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in, standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.

　　"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.

　　"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rulebreaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.

　　"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."

　　Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron's smudged nose. Harry nervously tried to flatten his hair.

　　"I shall return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly."

　　She left the chamber. Harry swallowed.

　　"How exactly do they sort us into houses?" he asked Ron.

　　"Some sort of test, I think. Fred said it hurts a lot, but I think he was joking."

　　Harry's heart gave a horrible jolt. A test? In front of the whole school? But he didn't know any magic yet -- what on earth would he have to do? He hadn't expected something like this the moment they arrived. He looked around anxiously and saw that everyone else looked terrified, too. No one was talking much except Hermione Granger, who was whispering very fast about all the spells she'd learned and wondering which one she'd need. Harry tried hard not to listen to her. He'd never been more nervous, never, not even when he'd had to take a school report home to the Dursleys saying that he'd somehow turned his teacher's wig blue. He kept his eyes fixed on the door. Any second now, Professor McGonagall would come back and lead him to his doom.

　　Then something happened that made him jump about a foot in the air -- several people behind him screamed.

　　"What the --?"

　　He gasped. So did the people around him. About twenty ghosts had just streamed through the back wall. Pearly-white and slightly transparent, they glided across the room talking to one another and hardly glancing at the first years. They seemed to be arguing. What looked like a fat little monk was saying: "Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance --"

　　"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name and you know, he's not really even a ghost -- I say, what are you all doing here?"

　　A ghost wearing a ruff and tights had suddenly noticed the first years.

　　Nobody answered.

　　"New students!" said the Fat Friar, smiling around at them. "About to be Sorted, I suppose?"

　　A few people nodded mutely.

　　"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" said the Friar. "My old house, you know."

　　"Move along now," said a sharp voice. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."

　　Professor McGonagall had returned. One by one, the ghosts floated away through the opposite wall.

　　"Now, form a line," Professor McGonagall told the first years, "and follow me."

　　Feeling oddly as though his legs had turned to lead, Harry got into line behind a boy with sandy hair, with Ron behind him, and they walked out of the chamber, back across the hall, and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall.

　　Harry had never even imagined such a strange and splendid place. It was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. Professor McGonagall led the first years up here, so that they came to a halt in a line facing the other students, with the teachers behind them. The hundreds of faces staring at them looked like pale lanterns in the flickering candlelight. Dotted here and there among the students, the ghosts shone misty silver. Mainly to avoid all the staring eyes, Harry looked upward and saw a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars. He heard

　　Hermione whisper, "Its bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts, A History."

　　It was hard to believe there was a ceiling there at all, and that the Great Hall didn't simply open on to the heavens.

　　Harry quickly looked down again as Professor McGonagall silently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. On top of the stool she put a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. Aunt Petunia wouldn't have let it in the house.

　　Maybe they had to try and get a rabbit out of it, Harry thought wildly, that seemed the sort of thing -- noticing that everyone in the hall was now staring at the hat, he stared at it, too. For a few seconds, there was complete silence. Then the hat twitched. A rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth -- and the hat began to sing:

　　"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

　　But don't judge on what you see,

　　I'll eat myself if you can find

　　A smarter hat than me.

　　You can keep your bowlers black,

　　Your top hats sleek and tall,

　　For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

　　And I can cap them all.

　　There's nothing hidden in your head

　　The Sorting Hat can't see,

　　So try me on and I will tell you

　　Where you ought to be.

　　You might belong in Gryffindor,

　　Where dwell the brave at heart,

　　Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart;

　　You might belong in Hufflepuff,

　　Where they are just and loyal,

　　Those patient Hufflepuffis are true And unafraid of toil;

　　Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

　　if you've a ready mind,

　　 Where those of wit and learning,

　　Will always find their kind;

　　Or perhaps in Slytherin

　　You'll make your real friends,

　　Those cunning folk use any means

　　To achieve their ends.

　　So put me on! Don't be afraid!

　　And don't get in a flap!

　　You're in safe hands (though I have none)

　　For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

　　The whole hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. It bowed to each of the four tables and then became quite still again.

　　"So we've just got to try on the hat!" Ron whispered to Harry. "I'll kill Fred, he was going on about wrestling a troll."

　　Harry. smiled weakly. Yes, trying on the hat was a lot better than having to do a spell, but he did wish they could have tried it on without everyone watching. The hat seemed to be asking rather alot; Harry didn't feel brave or quick-witted or any of it at the moment. If only the hat had mentioned a house for people who felt a bit queasy, that would have been the one for him.

　　Professor McGonagall now stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment.

　　"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," she said. "Abbott, Hannah!"

　　A pink-faced girl with blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right down over her eyes, and sat down. A moments pause --

　　"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat.

　　The table on the right cheered and clapped as Hannah went to sit down at the Hufflepuff table. Harry saw the ghost of the Fat Friar waving merrily at her.

　　"Bones, Susan!"

　　"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat again, and Susan scuttled off to sit next to Hannah.

　　"Boot, Terry!"

　　"RAVENCLAW!"

　　The table second from the left clapped this time; several Ravenclaws stood up to shake hands with Terry as he joined them.

　　" Brocklehurst, Mandy" went to Ravenclaw too, but "Brown, Lavender" became the first new Gryffindor, and the table on the far left exploded with cheers; Harry could see Ron's twin brothers catcalling.

　　"Bulstrode, Millicent" then became a Slytherin. Perhaps it was Harry's imagination, after all he'd heard about Slytherin, but he thought they looked like an unpleasant lot. He was starting to feel definitely sick now. He remembered being picked for teams during gym at his old school. He had always been last to be chosen, not because he was no good, but because no one wanted Dudley to think they liked him.

　　"Finch-Fletchley, Justin!"

　　"HUFFLEPUFF!"

　　Sometimes, Harry noticed, the hat shouted out the house at once, but at others it took a little while to decide. "Finnigan, Seamus," the sandy-haired boy next to Harry in the line, sat on the stool for almost a whole minute before the hat declared him a Gryffindor.

　　"Granger, Hermione!"

　　Hermione almost ran to the stool and jammed the hat eagerly on her head.

　　"GRYFFINDOR!" shouted the hat. Ron groaned.

　　A horrible thought struck Harry, as horrible thoughts always do when you're very nervous. What if he wasn't chosen at all? What if he just sat there with the hat over his eyes for ages, until Professor McGonagall jerked it off his head and said there had obviously been a mistake and he'd better get back on the train?

　　When Neville Longbottom, the boy who kept losing his toad, was called, he fell over on his way to the stool. The hat took a long time to decide with Neville. When it finally shouted, "GRYFFINDOR," Neville ran off still wearing it, and had to jog back amid gales of laughter to give it to "MacDougal, Morag."

　　Malfoy swaggered forward when his name was called and got his wish at once: the hat had barely touched his head when it screamed, "SLYTHERIN!"

　　Malfoy went to join his friends Crabbe and Goyle, looking pleased with himself.

　　There weren't many people left now. "Moon" "Nott" "Parkinson" then a pair of twin girls, "Patil" and "Patil" then "Perks, Sally-Anne" and then, at last -- "Potter, Harry!"

　　As Harry stepped forward, whispers suddenly broke out like little hissing fires all over the hall.

　　"Potter, did she say?"

　　The Harry Potter?"

　　The last thing Harry saw before the hat dropped over his eyes was the hall full of people craning to get a good look at him. Next second he was looking at the black inside of the hat. He waited.

　　Hmm," said a small voice in his ear. "Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There's talent, A my goodness, yes -- and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting.... So where shall I put you?"

　　Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.

　　"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the small voice. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that -- no? Well, if you're sure -- better be GRYFFINDOR!"

　　Harry heard the hat shout the last word to the whole hall. He took off the hat and walked shakily toward the Gryffindor table. He was so relieved to have been chosen and not put in Slytherin, he hardly noticed that he was getting the loudest cheer yet. Percy the Prefect got up and shook his hand vigorously, while the Weasley twins yelled, "We got Potter! We got Potter!" Harry sat down opposite the ghost in the ruff he'd seen earlier. The ghost patted his arm, giving Harry the sudden, horrible feeling he'd just plunged it into a bucket of ice-cold water.

Week 17 Update and Schedule

I hope everyone enjoyed the long Thanksgiving Break--I know I did, but I'm excited to get back to school! We'll be starting our Book-to-Film unit where we will be discovering how novels are adapted to film with a focus on specific techniques used by directors and authors to portray characters, setting, plot, etc.  All movie clips shown in class will be PG & PG-13 and will be content and age-appropriate.  Remember that students should choose a novel that has been adapted to a movie.  They are responsible to read this book and watch the movie at home.  I will be giving specific instructions for students to create a PowerPoint Book Report which will be due December 18th.  This is such a fun unit and really teaches students how to critically think.  Please email me with any specific questions.

Post-Unit Quiz on Figurative Language: If you would like to re-take the test, you may do so ONCE by going to Mr. Rarick's blog (http://raricks-room.blogspot.com/), clicking the UTIPS link and following directions as explained in class.  Please email me your score.  If you are still unsatisfied with your score, or if your score was below 70%, you can attending the Re-Teaching portion of Friday's Gecko Time and take a different version of the test then.

Note that Reading Benchmark Test will be next week on December 9th and 10th.

On Tuesday, we did some FUN Round-Robin Thanksgiving Writing.  I have pictures and will be posting the winning writings this week.  I left them at school, so please check the blog later this week.

As always, please contact me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or 435-652-4742 if you have any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your support, and get ready for a fun-filled week of learning.  *Please note all pictures I have taken this year are posted on the blog.  See the "Photos" link on the left side. Enjoy!

Utah-the-News 

Presenting Friday, December 6th

1st Period: Hailey Vargas, Deigo Sanchez, Marci Salazar

2nd Period:  Isabella Wood, Evelin Sotelo, Maxx Remiro

4th Period:  *Kobe Barney, Tosh Wright, Jacob Thalmann, Brinklie Shotwell

5th Period:  *Brooklyn Alldredge, *Tristian Auston, Ivete Ayungua, Alicia Baker, Ashlin Bergeson

6th Period: *Skylar Avery, Lauren Breckrenridge (absent), Alyssa Button, Aubri Denter, Vanessa Eckberg, Keith Schear

Week 17 Schedule

December 2nd-6th

Monday, December 2nd

End-of-the-Month Drawing
Calendar Wk. 17/Reading Check for Wk. 16
 *note that students are only required to record their reading M-Tu but I will give extra effort for additional reading that is recorded.
Motivational-Monday Video
Introduce Book-to-Film Unit (Venn-Diagram, Novel vs. Movies)

 Learning Objective: I can be organized by showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can understand and use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast novel and film.

Tuesday, December 3rd

Harry Potter, Book 1: Novel & Film Analysis (focus on Character)
Venn Diagrams
Small Group Activity
Learning Objective: I can note differences between novel and film and see how directors and authors use different techniques to show characters.

Wednesday, December 4th
Hunger Games: Novel & Film Analysis (focus on Setting)
Venn Diagrams
Small Group Activity
Am/Pm Wednesday Reading Club
Learning Objective: I can note differences between novel and film and see how directors and authors use different techniques to show setting.

Thursday, December 5th
Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief: Novel and Film Analysis (focus on an Event)
Venn Diagrams
Library Day
Learning Objective: I can note differences between novel and film and see how directors and authors use different techniques to portray an event.

Friday, December 6th
Random-Student-of-the-Week
Utah-in-the-News
Gecko Time: Enrichment, Reteaching or Homework Hall
Learning Objective: I can practice listening and/or speaking skills during Utah-in-the-News.  If I am caught-up on all my work, I will celebrate learning in Enrichment.  If I did not pass the Post-Unit Figurative Language test or understand the concept, I will attend Reteaching.  If I am missing assignments, I will be in Homework Hall.

          vs.   

Week 16 Update and Schedule

I'm so happy to see how students have successfully completed their Personal Narratives--I can't wait to start reading them!  I'll have them all graded by the end of the Thanksgiving Break.  Double-check with your student to make sure they have "shared" their final draft with me and handed in their checklist/pre-writing packet in class.  If not, they will have a "0" in Gradebook until they do.

After the Break, we will begin our Book-to-Movie unit.  Students need to select a novel (by this week), which has been adapted to a movie.  They are responsible to read the book and watch the movie at home.  I will be covering film/novel compare and contrast as well as analyzing the specific techniques used in each medium. Students will be instructed on their final project, which will function as a book report--the due date is December 18th.  I suggest students start reading their novel right away.

As always, please contact me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or 435-652-4742 if you have any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your support, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation!

*Please note all pictures I have taken this year are posted on the blog.  See the "Photos" link on the left side. Enjoy!

Utah-the-News 

Presenting Monday, November 25th

1st Period: Trinity Franciso, Ashley Mendel, Lauren Hoss

2nd Period:  Jon Rider, Sebastian Bautista, Braden Nelson

4th Period:  Kobe Barney, Walker Bowler, Jackson Boyce

5th Period:  Brooklyn Alldredge, Juan Anguiano, Tristian Auston

6th Period: Ellee Anderson, Skylar Avery, Lauren Breckrenridge

Week 16 Schedule

November 25-29

Monday, November 25

Calendar Wk. 16/Reading Check for Wk. 15
 *note that students are only required to record their reading M-Tu but I will give extra effort for additional reading that is recorded.
Personal Narrative Post-Quiz
Utah-in-the-News
Motivational-Monday: Gratitude
Gratitude Free Write

 Learning Objective: I can be organized by showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can demonstrate my knowledge in the Personal Narrative Post-Quiz.  I will practicing speaking and/or listening during Utah-in-the-News.  I will learn about gratitude and practice my writing skills in a journaling activity.

Tuesday, November 26th

The First Thanksgiving: Web Quest
Thanksgiving Round-Robin Writing

Learning Objective:  Using technology, I can learn more about the first Thanksgiving.  I can practice my writing skills in a fun Thanksgiving Round-Robins Writing activity.

Wednesday, November 27-Friday, November 29: Happy Thanksgiving

Week 15 Update and Schedule

It's been a busy week of writing but I am thrilled to see students pushing themselves to become better writers.  However, I am concerned about students already falling behind.  It really throws things off if they are not prepared for editing on the day the rest of the class is peer editing.  We are doing everything on Google Drive so they can work at home or they can always come in before or after school.  Please encourage your student to work hard to be on time.

As always, please contact me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or 435-652-4742 if you have any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your support, I'm looking forward to a fantastic trimester and I really love every day that I spend with these amazing 7th graders!

Utah-the-News 

Friday, November 22nd

1st Period: Trinity Franciso, Ashley Mendel, Lauren Hoss

2nd Period:  Jon Rider, Sebastian Bautista, Braden Nelson

4th Period:  Kobe Barney, Walker Bowler, Jackson Boyce

5th Period:  Brooklyn Alldredge, Juan Anguiano, Tristian Auston

6th Period: Ellee Anderson, Skylar Avery, Lauren Breckrenridge

Week 15 Schedule

November 18-22

Monday, November 18

Calendar Wk. 15/Reading Check for Wk. 14

Description/Figurative Language Review
Motivational Monday Video
Genre-of-the-Week: Fairy Tale Retellings
Learning Objective: I can be organized by showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can review using description and figurative language to help me perfect my narrative.

Tuesday, November 19th

Peer Editing #2
Writer's Conference with Mrs. Robins

Learning Objective:  I can carefully edit my partner's paper, looking specifically for ways to help them improve their narrative.  I can meet with Mrs. Robins in a writer's conference to make my narrative even better.

Wednesday, November 20th 

Work on Final Draft
Writer's Conference with Mrs. Robins
Wednesday Reading Club  7:00-7:30am or 2:00-2:30pm
 Learning Objective:  I can meet with Mrs. Robins in a writer's conference to make my narrative even better.  I will take feedback from my partner and Mrs. Robins to create a well-done Personal Narrative using correct grammar, organization, details, smiley-face tricks and figurative language.

Thursday, November 21st
Work on Final Draft
Library Day

Learning Objective:   I will take feedback from my partner and Mrs. Robins to create a well-done Personal Narrative using correct grammar, organization, details, smiley-face tricks and figurative language.  I can learn informational text skills in the library.

Friday, November 22nd

Utah-in-the-News
Random Student
GECKO TIME
Learning Objective: I can use informational text skills to create a good news report summary or use my listening skills as others present. I can celebrate learning through an enriched activity during Gecko Time or get caught-up on my missing work in Homework Hall.

Week 14 Update and Schedule

It is a brand-new trimester: a chance to wipe the slate clean and start fresh!  I'm so proud of students who worked so hard and encourage everyone to turn work in on time and always do their best.

This week, we are continuing with our Personal Narrative Unit.  We will do the first edit, and students will compose their second draft to improve on the first.  I will be out of town T-Th for a conference, but I'll have a great substitute and full instructions on what students will need to accomplish while I am gone.  I will still be frequently checking my email, so please email me if there are any questions or concerns. We'll be using Google Drive & Chromebooks to type drafts.  Using Drive will also enable students to work at home if they need extra time.  Please encourage your student to decide not to fall behind, but keep up on their work.

Remember that students should be choosing a book to read that has had a movie adaptation.  Right now, focus on finding and reading the novel.  In December, I'll begin our Book-to-Film Unit and students will then be able to watch their movie and receive specific instructions on their December 18th book report.

I know that absences happen, but please have your student visit with me before or after school when they miss a day to become caught up. If not, the load of work snowballs and becomes overwhelming.

Book Orders are due November 11th.  This is an affordable way to expand your home library and if you order online, our class receives a free book.  You can order online Click Here to go to Scholastic
or send in an order form with a check made out to Scholastic.

No Utah-in-the-News This Week

Week 14 Schedule

November 11-15th

Monday, November 11th

Calendar Wk. 14/Reading Check for Wk. 13

Google Survey
Clean out Folders
Peer Editing
Learning Objective: I can be organized by scheduling in my planner and showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes. I can complete a Google Survey using my Chromebook.  I can also understand and participate in Peer Editing to improve my narrative and help my partner improve theirs.

Tuesday, November 12th

Mini-Lesson: Plot Techniques
Finish Peer Editing (if needed)
Begin typing Personal Narrative Draft #2

Learning Objective:  I can learn and understand Plot Techniques so I can use them in my writing.  I can finish Peer Editing and begin typing Draft #2.

Wednesday, November 13th

Figurative Language Review
Finish typing Personal Narrative Draft #2
Share your completed Draft #2 with Mrs. Robins
No Wednesday Reading Club today
 Learning Objective: I can understand and use Figurative Language.  I can finish typing my 2nd draft and make the improvements I discussed with my editing partner.

Thursday, November 14th
Scope Magazine "Homeless" Reading Comprehension
Library Day

Learning Objective:  I will listen, read and comprehend non-fiction text.  I can learn informational text and research skills at the library.

Friday, November 15th

Random Student
GECKO TIME
Learning Objective:  I can celebrate learning through an enriched activity during Gecko Time or get caught-up on my missing work in Homework Hall.

Week 13 Update and Schedule

The end of the trimester will be here soon--please read the previous post about upcoming dates, extra credit, our December 18th book report, etc.

This week, students will be jumping right into the Personal Narrative Unit.  We'll be using Google Drive & Chromebooks to type drafts.  Using Drive will also enable students to work at home if they need extra time. I love this unit and I'm looking forward to seeing students become skilled writers.

Utah-in-the-News on Monday, November 4th
The following students will need to present to 2 Utah-in-the-News reports on Monday.
2nd Period: Connor Poulsen
4th Period: Geronimo Grayman, Hope Lizarraga
5th Period: Lacey Newbury, Kaden Lee
6th Period: Vanessa Eckberg, Sauni Nio

Week 13 Schedule

November 4-November 8

Monday, November 4th

Calendar Wk. 13/Reading Check for Wk. 12

Genre-of-the-Week: Book to Film
Mini Lesson: Plot Organization
Pre-Writing Web
Learning Objective: I can be organized by scheduling in my planner and showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can learn about Plot Organization to help me organize my narrative.  I can choose one idea and start to develop it using my Pre-Writing Web.

Tuesday, November 5th

Mini-Lesson: Simile & Metaphor
Finish Pre-Writing Web
Begin Rough Draft: Drafting Sheet

Learning Objective: I can understand and practice using similes and metaphors in my writing.  I will make sure my Pre-Writing Web is finished and begin my rough draft: drafting sheet.

Wednesday, November 6th

Mini-Lesson: Alliteration
Google Doc. Instruction
Finish Rough Draft: Drating Sheet
Being Typing 1st Draft
*Wednesday Reading Club (7:00-7:30am or 2:00-2:30pm)
 Learning Objective: I can understand and practice using alliteration.  I will make sure my Rough Draft is finished, that I understand Google Drive and will work on my 1st typed draft.

Thursday, November 7th
7th Grade Language Arts WOW Day
Shrek: The Musical at Snow Canyon High School

Learning Objective:  I will observe lighting, narration, and plot techniques while watching the musical.

Friday, November 8th

Random Student
Finish typing 1st Draft
Learning Objective:  I can use the writing skills I am learning to craft my typed 1st draft.

End of Trimester Important Notice

The end of the trimester is rapidly approaching so prepare now, here are dates you should keep in mind:

Tuesday, November 5th:  Writing Contests are Due

These writing contests can be picked up in class.  Every student is required to enter one per trimester.

Wednesday, November 6th: All Late Work, Extra Credit, Make-up Work is Due

Thursday, November 7th:  7th Grade Language Arts WOW Day, all students will be taken to Snow Canyon High School to watch "Shrek: The Musical"

Friday, November 8th: END OF TRIMESTER

I want students to succeed, so here are options for extra credit and make-up work.  I am available before and after school and willing to help your student anytime.

Extra Credit Effort: Students may do an extra Utah-in-the-News or an assignment from the Extra Credit basket in class.

Extra Credit Academic:  Students may re-do any academic assignment from the trimester and I will re-grade it.  They may ask me specifically what they need to do to boost their grade.

Looking Ahead:  Our next Book Report is due on December 18th.  At this time, our 7th grade LA Dept. will be doing a Book-to-Film Unit and will instruct students on the type of book report to do.  Student need to select a novel to read that has been adapted to film because for the unit, they will be reading the book and then watching the movie at home. I recommend students select their novel in the next week and begin reading.  They can choose any title & accompanying movie that meets your family's standards.

Please email me or call the school (652-4742) with any questions or concerns.  Thank you so much for your continued support.  I love teaching this amazing group of 7th graders!

Week 12 Update and Schedule

I was happy to see so many students work hard on their book reports and turn them in on time!  Yay, I'm working hard to have them all graded this weekend, so keep an eye on PowerSchool.

Please remember the end of the trimester is November 8th, which only gives students 10 days to complete all their work.  Writing contests are due on November 5th.  Students just need to choose one in class and get it finished.

This week as part of our Personal Narrative Unit, students will read 5 short stories, determine the theme and make a text-to-self connection and write about some event from their own lives.  These paragraphs will provide a storybank of ideas which will, by next week, start to flesh-out into a full length personal narrative. I love teaching this unit and seeing how students reflect on their own lives and grow in confidence as writers. By next week, we will be drafting and working on putting their well-written narratives together.

As always, please email me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or call (435) 652-4742 with any questions.  Thank you again for your support and have a wonderful week!

Utah-in-the-News
to present on Friday, November 1st

1st Period: *McCade Gunter (present 10/28)
2nd Period:  Jessica Padron, Conner Poulsen (present 10/28)
4th Period: *Tyler Clove, Gernimo Grayman (present 10/28), Hope Lizarraga
5th Period: Brady Jones, Brock Seacrist, Quincey Kennedy (present 10/28)
Kayla Shaffer, Lacey Newbury, Kaden Lee
6th Period: *Holden Fisher (present 10/28)
Brinkley Matheson, Skylee Melling, Dallas Navarro, Sauni Nio
*unprepared on assigned week, they will need to present 2

Week 12 Schedule

October 28-November 1st

Monday, October 28th

Calendar Wk. 12/Reading Check for Wk. 11

Genre-of-the-Week: Dystopia
Pre Test Figurative Language/Literary Devices
"Priscilla and the Wimps" & Storybank #1 (write about a time when you stuck up for someone or when you have been bullied)
Storybank #2 (keeping "Girls" in mind, write about love or an awkward moment)
Learning Objective: I can be organized by scheduling in my planner and showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I will show how much I already know about Figurative Language/Literary Devices in the pre-test.  I can practice make text-to-self connections and use the short story as a starting point to write a paragraph about my own life experience.

Tuesday, October 29th

DOL #5a &#5b
Author's Tools Mini-Lesson: Personification
"A Rice Sandwich" & Storybank #3 (write about an event with an authority figure, a time when you felt left out or an event where food was involved.)

Learning Objective: I can practice grammar and sentence correction by doing DOL.  I can practice make text-to-self connections and use the short story as a starting point to write a paragraph about my own life experience.  I can also learn about and practice using personification.

Wednesday, October 30th

Author's Tools Mini-Lesson: Organization and Voice
"Charles" & Storybank #4 (write about an event with your family, a funny story, or one about a prank)
"Duffy's Jacket" & Storybank #5 (write about a scary or mysterious event)
*Wednesday Reading Club (7:00-7:30am or 2:00-2:30pm)
 Learning Objective: I can practice grammar and sentence correction by doing DOL.  I can practice make text-to-self connections and use the short story as a starting point to write a paragraph about my own life experience.  I can also learn about and practice organization and voice in my writing.

Thursday, October 31st
Scope Magazine: Debate, "Should Everyone Get a Trophy?" (1st, 5th or 6th) "

Rushing to the Rescue" (2nd & 4th)
Library Day
Learning Objective: I can practice examining 2 sides of an issue, then forming an opinion and writing a thesis.  I can learn about informational text and practice library skills.
Happy Halloween!  Come to school in costume:)

Friday, November 1st

Utah-in-the-News Presentations
Random Student
*Minimum School Day @ school is out at 11:15am
Learning Objective: I can practice listening or presentation skills during Utah-in-the-News.  

A big congrats to 1st Period for creating an awesome door as part of our Spirit Competition.  It's a conflicted minion:)  I love the creative and fun students I get to be around every day!

Week 11 Update & Schedule

I hope everyone enjoyed the long Fall Break.  The Parts-of-Speech Unit was a big success and I'm pumped to begin our Personal Narrative Unit!

Recap on It's A Job Unit: This unit was very important because it gives students a foundation for writing for the rest of their lives.  I've pointed out to students that no matter what they do in their future, it's vitally important they know how to write well.  Learning the different parts of speech proved difficult for some students but with different practices and reteaching, I was pleased to see good improvement across the board.  In fact, any positive difference between a student's pre and post test will be academic extra credit.  It was very interesting to see how students worked together to create their poster.  I was proud of the self-reflection students did and I think they are understanding how much their attitude and work ethic makes an impact on the people around them.

Our Personal Narrative Unit will begin this week.  This is one of my very favorites because students learn to dig deep and really write about what is important to them.  They will learn to master figurative language, literary devices, first person narrative and narrative techniques.

Book Reports are due on October 23rd--please ask your child which book report they have selected. The biggest problem with book reports has been students neglecting to following all the directions so please encourage your student to carefully read all the instructions and meet all requirements of the rubric.  Students need to choose a book (any genre) that is over 150 pages and can select any book report type they have not done before.

As always, I am so appreciative of your support and encouragement.  I feel I have the finest group of students in the school and I love being their teacher!  Please feel free to reach me by email (rachel.robins@washk12.org) or by phone at 652-4742.  Have a fabulous week!

Utah-in-the-News
to present on Friday, October 25th

1st Period: Kayleigh Brandon, Brett Gonzales, McCade Gunter, Rachel Bunting
2nd Period:  Jessica Padron, Conner Poulsen
4th Period: *Tyler Clove, Gernimo Grayman
5th Period: Brady Jones, Bryson Kelsch, Quincey Kennedy
6th Period: Vanessa Eckberg, Holden Fisher, Yessenia Flores
*unprepared on assigned week, they will need to present 2

Week 11 Schedule

October 21-25th

Monday, October 21st

Calendar Wk. 11/Reading Check for Wk. 10
New Seating Chart

Genre-of-the-Week:  Dystopia
Monday-Write: Picture This
Learning Objective: I can be organized by scheduling in my planner and showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can practice using strong verbs, adjectives and nouns in my Monday Write.

Tuesday, October 22nd

DOL #4b, #5
Pre Test Figurative Language/Literary Devices
Introduce Personal Narrative
Introduce Smiley Face Tricks

Learning Objective: I will practice editing and sentence correction during DOL.  I can demonstrate my knowledge during the Pre Test.  I can understand what is required in the course of the Personal Narrative unit and get excited about it!

Wednesday, October 23rd

DOL #5a, #5b

Short Story: "Girls"
Smiley Face Tricks
Book Reports Due Today!!!
*Wednesday Reading Club (7:00-7:30am or 2:00-2:30pm)

Learning Objective: I will practice editing and sentence correction during DOL.  I can make text-to-self connections after reading the story and begin to learn Smiley-Face tricks. 

Thursday, October 24th

Scope Magazine: Debate, "Should Everyone Get a Trophy?"
Library Day
Learning Objective: I can read an article and understand, demonstrated through my writing, both sides of an argument.  I can learn and practice informational text/research skills in the library.

Friday, October 25th

Utah-in-the-News Presentations
Random Student
Gecko Time: Homework Hall or Enrichment
Learning Objective: I can practice listening or presentation skills during Utah-in-the-News.  I can catch-up on missed work in Homework Hall or participate in an enriched learning opportunity in Enrichment. 

Week 10 Update and Schedule

Week 10 will be a short one as there will be no school Thursday or Friday due to Fall Break.  So, I've got a fun, learning-packed three days planned!  There will be no Utah-in-the-News and I will only require reading for Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (90 minutes total minimum).

However, Book Reports are due on October 23rd, so I would highly recommend that you encourage your student to read and choose a book report BEFORE Fall Break.  The biggest problem with book reports has been students neglecting to following all the directions so please encourage your student to carefully read all the instructions and meet all requirements of the rubric.  Students need to choose a book (any genre) that is over 150 pages and can select any book report type they have not done before.

Speaking of reading, on Wednesday, October 23rd, I will be starting my Wednesday Reading Club. Students will be invited to attend based on their grade-level reading and can attend the morning session from 7-7:30am or the afternoon 2:00-2:30pm session.  My goal is to help lower readers who are not already receiving some type of extra support at school.  This is a great opportunity for me to provide one-on-one instruction and give these students valuable reading instruction and practice.  Look for a letter to come home this week with further information.

Book Orders are due on Wednesday, October 16th.  You may order online (see my link on the left side) or send a check to Scholastic in with you student.  I'll be sending Book Orders home on Monday.  Ordering from Scholastic is an affordable way to build your at-home library and every order placed online earns an additional book for our class library.

As always, I am so appreciative of your support and encouragement.  I feel I have the finest group of students in the school and I love being their teacher!  Please feel free to reach me by email (rachel.robins@washk12.org) or by phone at 652-4742.  Have a fabulous week and enjoy fall break!

No Utah-in-the-News this week.

Week 10 Schedule

October 14th-18th

Monday, October 14th

Calendar Wk. 10/Reading Check for Wk. 9

Genre-of-the-Week: Manga/Graphic Novels
Directions Quiz
Monday-Write: Group Work Reflection

Learning Objective: I can be organized by scheduling in my planner and showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can practice following directions.  I will reflect on my contribution to my group on the It's a Job Project.

Tuesday, October 15th

DOL #4, #4a
Scope Magazine: Compare & Contrast

Learning Objective: I will practice editing and sentence correction during DOL.  I can read information text and practice compare and contrast.

Wednesday, October 16th

DOL #4b

Parts of Speech Review Game
Parts of Speech Post Test

Learning Objective: I will practice editing and sentence correction during DOL.  I can demonstrate my knowledge of parts of speech, sentences and paragraphs during the review game and test.

Thursday, October 17th

Fall Break--enjoy!

Friday, October 18th

Fall Break--enjoy!