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!