Week 20: January 5-9

Welcome back and Happy New Year!! 2015 will be a fabulous year and I'm excited to begin. My focus in January will be preparing students for the SAGE writing test in February. I have been very pleased as I graded the Superhero Argumentation Essays and I am seeing that students are understanding and mastering argumentation. During January, I will teach OREO and ACES paragraphs used in argumentation and explanatory writing. These paragraphs will add another layer of organization and practice as well as prepare students for middle school where these paragraphs are a part of their writing curriculum. Students will write 4 essays this month: 2 argumentative and 2 explanatory. I will be reinforcing organizational foldables which will be tools they can use in SAGE to help them write.

We will continue our daily 10 minutes of reading and students will finish books 6-10 by February. Each Friday will be reading day. Classes will vote on January 5th for a class novel to read. We will read this novel every Friday and practice reading strategies, reading comprehension and literature devices. I'm really looking forward to this more holistic way to teach reading and writing.

A note on FLEX time...I've been pulling students for FLEX for reading inventions. I'm putting this on hold temporarily. I'm noticing that many of these same students (and others) are struggling with specific components of essay writing. I'll focus my FLEX priority days through mid February on writing interventions.
I'll be doing a lot of formative assessments to pinpoint which students need which intervention, but please let me know if you think your students might benefit from these.

Thank you so much for the kind words, gifts and treats I received for Christmas. Your thoughtfulness meant the world to me. I so enjoy every day with these wonderful students--seriously--this is my favorite group of students in my career. They are the best!

Please email or call me with any questions/concerns: rachel.robins@washk12.org/(435) 652-4742. Thank you for your continued support!

Nation-in-the-News

present on Friday, January 9th

2nd period: Braden C., Baylee C., David C.

3rd period: Ellie F., Chanel H., Ryan H.

4th period: Joshua C., Baylee D., Brandon G.

5th period: Mckenna F., Laura G., Paola G.

6th period: Ryder D., Tanner D., John D.

Monday, January 5th

Book #6 Due this week

Christmas Reading Challenge Due

New Seating Chart

Essays Back (Pinpoint Strengths/Weaknesses)

Vote on Class Novel 

Tuesday, January 6th

Essay Reteaching (Line-ups, Red/Green/Yellow)

OREO Paragraph Notes 

Guided Practice

Wednesday, January 7th

Free Reading

Argumentative Essay Text Packets

Read and Organize Writing with Foldables

Thursday, January 8th

Free Reading 

Write Argumentative Essay (due today)

Friday, January 9th

Free Reading

Random Student

Nation-in-the-News

Class Novel

Week 19: December 15-19

I am writing this post on Friday, after benchmarks, and I am thrilled with how the students are progressing. Most students made significant gains which reflects their increased focus on reading, and I am SO proud of them! I'll be sending home certificates on Monday that will show their reading scores last trimester and this trimester so you can see how they are progressing. Way to go students!!

This week we will be finishing an argumentation essay on Superheros. Students have selected a pair of superheros (Batman/Ironman) or (Captain America/Thor) and will be making an argument, using Marvel text, as to why their particular superhero is superior. This is a fun way to practice the important skill of argumentative writing and excellent preparation for the SAGE. It's going to be a busy and fun week. Remind your student to have their green Essay Organizer completed for Monday.

A big thank you to students for writing in Christmas cards that were delivered to the Ivins Veterans home and Meals on Wheels. I feel that seniors are sometimes lost in the holiday shuffle. As I delivered the cards to them, I was met with such gratitude and wonder that a group of Lava Ridge students would remember them. All the credit goes to the students, so thank you!

Thank you for the ongoing support, I enjoy each day with these great students! Please email me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or call the school at 435-652-4742 with any questions. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

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

Week 19 Schedule

Monday, December 15th

Free Reading *Book #5 due this week

Come Prepared with Your Green Essay Organizer Completed

Reading Certificates Sent Home

Mini-Lesson: In-Text Citation

Work on Superhero Essay

Tuesday, December 16th

Free Reading

Mini-Lesson: Elaboration (explaining) 

Work on Superhero Essay

Wednesday, December 17th

Library Day

Superhero Essay DUE

Thursday, December 18th

Free Reading

Christmas Reader's Theater

Friday, December 19th

Class Coco Party & End-of-Month Drawing

Christmas Break Reading Challenge

Assembly Bell Schedule (Fine Arts Showcase)

Merry Christmas wishes to each of you. May you have peace and happiness this upcoming year. Students: Thank you for making my life happier by being in my class!  School will resume January 5th. Read over the break and enjoy the time off!

Transition Re-Teaching

Welcome to Re-Teaching! If you scored below a 70%, I want you to gain some additional practice and re-take the test.

First, choose one of these sites to practice on...

Transition Lesson and Practice

Transitional Words and Phrases

Transition Game

Now you are read to re-take the quiz! Please see me for a copy of the quiz or download and print here...

Transitions Post Test

Week 18: December 8-12

What a great week! Students worked diligently over the past two days on an on-demand argumentative essay. This is the best kind of preparation for the SAGE, and for good writing in general. Students have learned 2 organizational foldables that will assist them in their writing. We will continue these types of 2-day writing exercises that will mimic end-of-level testing situations.
Honor Choir was absent today, so they will need to finish at home as will other students who did not finish in class. Here are some documents to help and they can always email me this weekend:

Miley Cyrus Rubric and Instruction for Handing-In

Foldable #1: Organizing the Evidence from the articles.

Foldable #2: Organizing the Essay

Remember to keep reading at home! Home reading is 30 mins. at least 5 days a week. Book #4 in the iRead program will be due this week. If I don't see students on schedule, I'll be calling home this week and figuring out what the disconnect is.

Next week will be a Superhero-based Argumentation project, it will be a fun, engaging work to practice argumentation. Additionally, we will be doing reading benchmark testing on Thursday, December 9th and Friday, December 10th. Please make sure your student is well-rested and prepared to test. I'm so proud of the hard work I see and the excellent attitudes the students have. It is certainly a pleasure to be their teacher.

Yoda has been giving us clues about next week's unit.

Book orders are due on December 10th either online or bring in a check or cash. The link to ordering is on the side of the blog. If you want me to wrap the books for you because they are a present for your student, I'd be happy to. Just let me know ahead of time.

Thank you for the ongoing support. I can be reached at rachel.robins@washk12.org or at 435-652-4742. Have a wonderful week!

A HUGE congrats to Luke B. and Hallie V. for reading 40 books in the iRead program and becoming the newest members of our 40 Club. Woot!!

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, December 12th

2nd: Emily B., Sophie C., Luke B.

3rd: Sage D., Monte E., Dylan E.

4th: David B., Kaden C., Joshua C.

5th: Keegan A., Christine C., Alexis C.

6th: Chris C., Mike C., Seth C. *Torrance

Week 18 Schedule

Monday, December 8th

Free Reading *Book #4 Due

Miley Cyrus Essay Due (if you didn't finish in class) 

Introduction to Super Hero Argumentation Unit

Vocabulary/Information Sheet

Tuesday, December 9th 

Free Reading

Essay Modeling

Wednesday, December 10th

Free Reading

Superhero Essay Organization

Book Orders Due Today

Thursday, December 11th

Reading Benchmark Testing in B-Lab

Friday, December 12th

Reading Benchmark Testing in B-Lab

Nation-in-the-News

Week 17: December 1-5

 I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! I've had a great weekend and am excited to get back to school.

Monday is a short PLC day, so I am going to use the time in class to do a Service Learning opportunity. Students will be writing in Christmas cards that will go to Senior citizens in our community who tend to be overlooked during the holiday season. These cards will go to the Meals on Wheels program and to our local Ivins Veteran's Home. This will allow students to do some writing as well as make the holiday season a little brighter for people who are lonely.

On Tuesday, we will finish out our instruction and practice on transitions in preparation for the post-test on transitions on Wednesday following our library time. On Thursday and Friday, students will work on a 2-day on-demand argumentative essay through Scope magazine. This helps students build writing stamina as well as prep for SAGE in February.

Remind your student to keep reading at home! To stay on track, students need to be finishing a novel every week-week & a half. To keep them on pace, I will be checking reading progress each week. If students begin to fall behind, I can tell it's because they are not reading at home. At this point, I will email or call home to see what we can do to work together. I'm seeing marvelous progress with student reading ability because of this program. I'm confident our reading benchmark tests on December 11 and 12 will show marked progress.

As always, I am grateful for your ongoing support and communication. Please contact me with any questions at rachel.robins@washk12.org or at 435-652-4742. Thank you and have a fantastic week!

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, December 5th

2nd period: Matt V., Hallie V., Brinley S.

3rd period: Mackenzie W., Clint W., Aaron W.

4th period: Atreyu W, Dakoda W., Andy V.

5th period: Dax W., Elisabeth V., Frankie U.

6th period:  Sam Z., Torrance W., Max T.

Week 17 Schedule

Monday, December 1st

Service Learning: Christmas Cards (for Meals on Wheels recipients & the Ivins Veteran Home)
Short PLC Day: school dismissed at 11:45am

Due Today: Turkey Reading Sheet (optional), Book #3 in iRead program

Tuesday, December 2nd

 Free Reading
"Stoplight" Transition Notes
Transition Words Activity

Wednesday, December 3rd

Meet in Library (Library Day)
Take Novel Post Test: Transitions
*Students should do a Utah Expedition Question

Thursday, December 4th

 Free Reading
Scope Magazine Argumentative Essay: Miley Cyrus
Read Articles, Organization

Friday, December 5th

Nation-in-the-News

Random Student Spotlight
Write Argumentative Essay, Due in-class

Something to think about... 

Turkey Reading Challenge

I have issued a challenge to students: if they will read EVERY DAY over the Thanksgiving break, at least 30 mins. a day, and record it on a turkey chart, with a parent signature, and return it on MONDAY, December 1st: they will be pulled-out for a FLEX time next week to enjoy pumpkin pie with me!

This is optional but I'd love as many students as possible to do it. If they forgot their chart or didn't pick on up, here it is. Remember to follow the directions as described to qualify.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Reading!!!

Turkey Reading Challenge: Click Here to Print

Week 16: November 24 & 25

I'm so proud of students for their hard work this week as they finished their Personal Narratives. I'll have scores posted and papers back before Thanksgiving. We used Utah Compose (the new Utah Write) for the first time for the students to get a feel for computer-based writing and take some online writing tutorials. I have been so pleased with how the students have worked hard in and out of class. It's such a delight to teach children so eager to learn. I appreciate the continued support from home as well.

Looking ahead, to reward the students for their hard work this week, Monday will be a Reading Party for students in 3-6 periods. They can bring treats if they would like and we'll enjoy some great literature and see them achieve in the iRead program. Honors will be finishing-up our December Newspaper and celebrating the publication of our 3rd edition-woot! After the break, we'll spend a little more time on transition words, take the Narrative Post-Test (on transitions) and analyze SAGE essays. We'll move into a FUN unit on Argumentation (details will be reveled soon) and finish benchmarks before Christmas.

As always, I'm happy to hear from parents. Please reach me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or by phone, 435-652-4742. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

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

Monday, November 24

2nd period: Finish December Newspaper & Random Student (meet in B-Lab)
3-6 periods: Reading Party & Random Student 

*iRead Book #2 due

Tuesday, November 25

Annual Geck-a-Thon  

Thanksgiving Myth-Busting

I'll be handing out an optional Reading Challenge over the break to encourage home reading.

Thanksgiving Break!!

school resumes December 1st (PLC Day)

 

Week 15: November 17-21

This week we enjoyed great literature and made text-to-self connections to brainstorm ideas for our Personal Narrative. Our upcoming week will be all about writing the Personal Narrative on Utah Compose. It's really important students attend class this week. If they miss a day, they must do the work at home. I'm always available before and after school and can pull students during FLEX as needed. 

On Monday, I'll be checking to make sure students have completed their first book towards the iRead program, have completed the Storybank and Rough Draft organizer. See previous blog post for copies of the Storybank and Rough Draft Organizer.

Get ready to have a fantastic week!

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, November 21st

2nd period: *Taylor H., *Ethan H., Aspen A., Annie B., Ryan B.

3rd period: Keegan A., Araceli C., Sophia C. 

4th period: Josey A., Keegan Av, Nancy A.

5th period: *Keenan K., Sirenity A., Kohl B., Hunter B.

6th period: Destinee A., Kayla B., Brennon B.
* unprepared, needs to do two reports this week

Week 15 Schedule
Meet in B-Lab All Week, Except Thursday

Monday, November 17th

Free Reading
B Lab: Set-up Utah Compose Account
Set-up working Google Doc.
Type Rough Draft 

Due Today: Storybank, Rough Draft Organizer, Book #1 in iRead program

Tuesday, November 18th

 Free Reading
 Finish Rough Draft
Submit to Utah Compose

Wednesday, November 19th

Meet in Library (Library Day)
Utah Compose Feedback/Peer Review

Thursday, November 20th

Finish Utah Compose Feedback/Peer Review
Start on Final Draft

Friday, November 21st

Nation-in-the-News

Random Student

Final Draft shared with Mrs. Robins
Free Reading when finished

Personal Narrative Material

For those who were absent or lost your paper...your Personal Narrative Rough Draft Organizer must be finished by class on Monday!  You will be choosing which moment of your life you want to write about and organize the information so you can begin typing your Rough Draft on Monday. Candy will be given for those of you who complete the assignment. Please email me with any questions.

Only 2nd period Honors students and other advanced writers will use the "Advanced Organizer", everyone else will use the "Personal Narrative Rough Draft Organizer."

Personal Narrative Rough Draft Organizer

Advanced Organizer

Missed a day last week? You need to complete your Storybank to help you brainstorm ideas.

Personal Narrative Storybank

Storybank #1: "Girls" (Yellow Literature Book) Write a paragraph about one of the following: Love (of any kind), a time you were embarrassed/awkward, a time with friends.

Storybank #2:  Rice Sandwich  Write a paragraph about one of the following: School, How you got your name, a story from your heritage.

Storybank #3: Charles  Write a paragraph about one of the following: a "trickster" story (when you pranked someone or they pranked you), a funny story, anything about family.

Storybank #4: Priscella and the Wimps Write a paragraph about one of the following: When you were brave, a time you stuck up for someone (or they stuck up for you), anything with school, family or friends.

Week 14: Welcome Trimester 2

I'm excited to start a new trimester! Students really worked hard this last trimester and their grades really reflect their dedication. I just got back from an observation and the annual UCTE (Utah Council of Teachers of English) conference and I am brimming with fun ideas for teaching and valuable information about SAGE prep. Expect great things to happen for students.

This will week will begin our Personal Narrative Unit where students will master narrative writing by choosing one event to focus on, use sequence and transitions as well as smiley-face tricks and figurative language to spice-up their writing. This is one of my favorite units to teach because students get to write about themselves. We will finish our Personal Narratives right before Thanksgiving break so each day will be vital for students to be in attendance.

Reminders for 2nd Trimester

• Students are required to read 10 books (12 books for Honors) per trimester. The count starts over each trimester, but the marks on the Bingo Card continues and students will be rewarded as they continue to get "bingos".
• Students who reach the 40 Club (40 books read) will get a t-shirt and some other fun prizes. This is a cumulative count of books that is ongoing from August. I anticipate many members to join this trimester.
• Students are required to do 30 mins. of Home Reading, at least 5 days a week. This builds reading stamina and skills.
• If a student misses a day, it is imperative they talk to me before or after school and make up their work. I can request them during FLEX time as needed. I noticed last trimester that students would forget to ask me and soon would fall in behind in the course work. Our weekly schedule is on the blog and on the whiteboard in class. Missed work is in a file-box in my room. Students can check with both of these sources as they visit with me.
• I do try to communicate weekly with students and parents. Please keep an eye on the blog so you know what is happening in class.
• Part of the Nation-in-the-News assignment is to read a news article and print-it-out. If you don't have access to a computer at home, please come to my room and tell me and I will be happy to help you print it in our computer lab.
• Honors: Please stay on top of your blog post, comments and writing contest. You have an entire month to do these assignments, but please do not wait until the last minute.

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, November 14th

2nd period: Locklin H., Taylor H., Ethan H.

3rd period: Avery M., Leslie O., Leif P.

4th period: Connor M, Jose M., Sommer N.

5th period: Kyli J., Keenan K., Emilie L.

6th period: Taylor H., Chyanne L., Gracee L.

Week 14 Schedule

Monday, November 10th

Motivational Monday: Wolves/Quick-Response

Unit Pre-Test (Transitions)

Personal Narrative Unit Introduction

Mini-Lesson: Personification 

Fill-out Figurative Language Foldable

Tuesday, November 11th

Free Reading

Smiley-Face Tricks

Gary Paulsen's "Girls"

Fill-out Story Bank, Smiley-Face Trick Sheet

Wednesday, November 12th

Free Reading

Mini-Lesson: Alliteration

Story Bank: "Rice Sandwich" by Sandy Cisneros

Smiley-Face Trick Sheet, Figurative Language Foldable

Thursday, November 13th

Honors: Writing Mini-Lesson

Newspaper Day

Homework: Read "Charles" by Shirley Jackson/Watch Hyperbole video

3-6: Free Reading

Mini-Lesson: Hyperbole

Story Bank: "Charles" by Shirley Jackson 

Smiley-Face Trick Sheet, Figurative Language Foldable

Friday, November 14th

Nation-in-the-News

Random Student

Mini-Lesson: Simile & Metaphor

Story Bank: "Priscella and the Wimps"

Smiley-Face Trick Sheet, Figurative Language Foldable

By the end of this week, students will have selected one moment of their lives to write about. We will move into rough draft writing and peer editing next week.

Week 13: November 3rd-7th & End-of-Trimester Information

I can't believe that almost 1/3 of the school year is over!  It was a busy week finishing and presenting Novel Projects as well as Book Finales. I'm very proud of all the hard work and great things students have accomplished and I am working hard at home to get everything graded and entered this weekend. There is a lot going to on this week as the trimester is finishing up, please see below for our schedule and important class information.

I will be in Salt Lake at a training on the 6th and 7th but I will be available via email if anyone has questions.

As always, contact me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or call 435-652-4742 with any questions or concerns. Thank you for the ongoing support and sharing your amazing kids with me!

All Work Due on Wednesday, November 5th
Need Extra Academic or Effort Credit? Enter a writing contest (pick up the form in class) and give it to me before November 5th.

Congratulations Are In Order!

Way to go Shayne N.! Shayne was the 1st place winner in the St. George Book Festival Dixie Youth Poet's Contest. She received a cash prize, an award and presented her marvelous poem at an Open Mic event. Woot Shayne!!

                                                                                                                                                

A HUGE congrats to Marcus J. for becoming the newest member of our iRead 40 Club! 

Week 13

November 3-November 7

Monday, November 3rd
2nd period Honors: Newspaper Day (finalize November/begin December)

3rd-6th periods:
*New Seating Chart
*Free Reading/Book Business
*Book Orders Sent Home/Work Handed Back
*Genre-of-the-Week: Non-Fiction
*5th period (Novel Test)
*Final Reading Check
*Introduce Personal Narrative Unit

Tuesday, November 4th
2nd period Honors: Wednesday War Plot Chart
Novel Post Test, Introduce Personal Narrative Unit
Genre-of-the-Week

3rd-6th period:
*Free Reading/Book Business
*Mini Lesson: Alliteration
*Story Bank: Priscella and the Wimps

Wednesday, November 5th
Library Day: All Classes Meet in Library First
Listen to "The Beast of Loch Ness"
Final Day to Complete Utah Expedition Question
Final Day to hand-in ALL work

Thursday, November 6th
*Free Reading
*Drawing Conclusions Worksheet (essay organization)
*Begin working on "Loch Ness" Essay
Argumentation: Is the Search for the Loch Ness Monster Worthwhile?

Friday, November 7th
Finish "Loch Ness" Essay in class
Free Reading When Finished
Book Orders Due Today, Online or Send in a check and order form

Week 12: October 27-October 31

Whew-what a great week! From watching "Cinderella" to finishing (or almost finishing) novels, it's been a whirlwind week of learning. What a fun week of diving into literature, analyzing and understanding how thoughts, ideas and emotions are communicated through text. More than anything, I love hearing what students think and seeing their "a-ha" when they get a concept or express deep understanding. It has been a fantastic week!

A big congrats to Shayne Nielson for winning the St. George Book Festival Youth Poetry Contest. It is wonderful to see students achieve and be recognized. Way to go Shayne! (picture coming soon).

Another congrats to Shade Joines for becoming the newest member of our iRead "40 Club" for completing 40 books this trimester! Woot!

The end of the trimester is rapidly approaching, here are important dates for everyone to be aware of:

Monday, October 27th: Select Novel Project to complete & start working 

Tuesday, October 28th: Work day for Novel Project, Newspaper Day for Honors

Wednesday, October 29th: Book Finales Due and Novel Projects Presented, Work Day for Honors

Thursday, October 30th: Honors Novel Project Presentations

Friday, October 31st: Honors Writing Contest, Writing Blog and 3 Comments are due

Monday, November 3rd: Honors Newspaper Published, Scholastic Book Orders Due

Monday, November 3rd-5th: Book Finale Presentations(all classes)

Wednesday, November 5th: 2nd Utah Expedition Question Due, All Work Finished for Trimester, 10 iRead Books Finished (3rd-6th periods), 12 iRead Books Finished (2nd period)

Friday, November 7th: END OF TRIMESTER

*Missing work can be accessed through links on PowerSchool or pick up a hard copy in my room. I will offer extra effort assignments (see bin in my room) and students can do a writing contest for extra academic credit (also in my room). If students score low, they are welcome to redo assignments. Please remember, I am available before and after school or students can ask that I request them during FLEX for extra help. I cannot stop class and help students find missing work, so please talk to me as listed above.

Nation-in-the-News

present on Friday, October 31st

2nd period: Shayne Nielson, Ethan Pack

3rd period: All Finished

4th period: Madison Pierson

5th period: Liddia Jaques, Colton Maycock, Emily Memmot, Ady Moak

6th period: David Barazza

Weekly Schedule

October 27-October 31

Monday, October 27th

2nd period Honors: Final "Wednesday Wars" Quiz, sign-up for projects, begin Novel Projects *See previous blog post for Novel Project menu and links

3rd-4th periods: Finish "Out of the Dust"

3rd-6th periods: Sign-up for projects, Begin working on projects 

Tuesday, October 28th

Finish Plot Chart and Notes

2nd period Honors: Newspaper Work Day (last one before publication)
3rd-6th periods: Novel Project Work Day

Wednesday, October 29th

Free Reading/Book Business

2nd period Honors: Novel Project Work Day
3rd-6th periods: Novel Project Presentations

Thursday, October 30th

Free Reading/Book Business
2nd period Honors: Novel Project Presentations
3rd-6th periods: Page-to-Film Unit

Page-to-Film Vocabulary
The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street: story and film.

Friday, October 31st

Happy Halloween!! (Yes, costumes welcome--check out guidelines in last school newsletter)
Random Student Form
Nation-in-the-News
Page-to-Film:

Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven audio poem version, The Simpson's "Raven"

Page-to-Film Vocabulary (2nd period Honors)

Honors Class: Wednesday War Projects

On Monday, you will sign up for the "Wednesday Wars" project you want to do and begin working on it. We will work on these projects Monday and Wednesday and present Thursday. Please, please read the fine print (the instructions and rubric) so you can get the fullest amount of points possible.

Also, "The Wednesday Wars" must be completed for Monday. You will have a short quiz then start working on your Novel Project. Thanks!

Wednesday War Menu

Novel Project Rubrics

Motivational Monday Write

If you missed this assignment, you need to watch two YouTube clips before writing.

Here are the links:

Tim's Place

Korea's Got Talent: Homeless Boy

Next, please get the pink writing form from my room to finish the assignment.

Thank you!

Week 11: October 20-24

I hope everyone enjoyed Fall Break (and got to sleep-in a little)!

I'm excited for this upcoming week as we have some very fun items on the schedule. My goal is to wrap-up novels & introduce in-class novel projects to be finished next week. We will be attending "Cinderella" at SCHS on Wednesday and will explore the migratory tale of Cinderella on Tuesday. It will be a busy, but very worthwhile week.

Just a reminder that Book Finales are due on October 29th. Book Finale options may be accessed on the link on the left side of my blog or picked up in class. Remember a student will do a project on their favorite book they have read this trimester. Late work will be penalized so please, please turn in your work on time. All Book Finales will be presented the first week of November.

As November 7th is the end of the trimester, just a friendly reminder to check PowerSchool and make-up any low or missing assignments. I am happy to work with you, just let me know how. Remember that 2 Utah Expedition Library questions and 10 books need to be read by the end of the trimester. Make sure home-reading (30 mins a day at least 5 days a week) is happening. Additionally, Honors students need to read 12 books this trimester, enter a writing contest and post/comment on our writing blog. Please pace yourselves and finish in a timely manner before the end of the month.

I will be pulling some students for FLEX time this week who need a little extra support on reading. I'll send emails out to parents later this week to let you know what we will be doing in the reading group.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. I am absolutely loving this group of students and am excited about the great strides of progress I am seeing.  As always, I can be reached by email, rachel.robins@washk12.org or call the school at 435-652-4742.  Have a wonderful week!

A HUGE congrats to students from Robins and Leany's classes who have reached the iRead's 40 Club (for reading the equivalency of 40 books so far this year).  I am anticipating many more joining this club!  *Shade: you'll get your shirt and picture on Monday!

Cash, Caleb, Sierra, Shayne & Kayden!

Nation-in-the-News

to be presented on Thursday, October 23rd

2nd period: Shayi Habibian (present), Cheyann Long, Carrson McKenna, Seth Millward

3rd period: Destiny Low, Aubry McCombs, Greyson Shipp, Aaron West

4th period: Sommer Norton, Madison Pierson

5th period:  Emily Gunn, Harley Hall, Mason Hansen, Liddia Jaques

6th period:  Breanna Hernando, Gracee Larson, Spencer Nobis, Jared Nolazco, Tali Puriri

Monday, October 20

10 mins. Free Reading

Novel Close Reading

Novel Study

Honors: Quiz on Jan/Feb chapters

Tuesday, October 22

Migratory Fairy Tale Analysis

Wednesday, October 22

"Cinderella Musical"

5th and 6th periods: Novel Study

Thursday, October 23

10 mins. Free Reading

Honors: Newspaper Work Day

Nation-in-the-News Presentations
"Out of the Dust" Novel Study and Plot Chart Notes

Friday, October 24

Finish "Out of the Dust"

Plot Chart Notes on "Wednesday Wars"

Library Day

Why I Feel So Strongly About Reading & Some Excellent Resources

Week 10: October 13-October 17

It's been another great week in Language Arts. Students were introduced to using Paired Text and Close Reading. It was a fun week of literature analysis and I'm proud with how students are progressing and developing critical thinking skills. The iRead program is going well too--several students got their first "Bingo" and are making great strides of progress in their reading.

Looking ahead, we are taking all the 7th grade students to Snow Canyon High School's production of "Cinderella". Permission slips will be sent home on Monday, October 13th and must be returned by Wednesday, October 15th so your student is eligible to attend this fun event. Also, as stated in the syllabus, the first Book Finale is due on Wednesday, October 29th. A Book Finale is a fun novel project that students do on a book of their own choosing. They will present these projects to the class. My goal is to give a wide variety of choices for students. I'll try to give some class time, but this is one of the few assignments that will be need to be done at home.

As always, I welcome hearing from parents and students and I'm eager to resolve any concerns and answer questions. I can be reached at rachel.robins@washk12.org or at school (435) 652-4742.

 No Nation in the News this week.

Monday,October 13
1o mins. Free Reading
Introduce Book Finale Projects
Motivational Monday Write
Plot Chart: Characters, Rising Action Notes
2nd period: January "Wednesday Wars"
3rd-6th periods: Winter 1935 "Out of the Dust"
"Cinderella: The Musical" Permission Sent Slips Home (for 10/22 performance)

Tuesday, October 14

1o mins. Free Reading
2nd period: Newspaper Day!!
3rd-6th periods: Spring 1936 "Out of the Dust"

Wednesday, October 15

10 mins. Free Reading
2nd period: February "Wednesday Wars"
3rd-6th periods: Spring-Summer 1936
Close Reading Passage 
*Home Reading Assignments as needed

"Cinderella: The Musical" Permission Slips Returned to School 

October 16-17: Fall Break...enjoy!!

Week 9: October 6-October 10

Thank you for the high turn-out at SEP Parent Teacher Conference. I really appreciate your patience in waiting to see me and the great conversations we had as we discussed how to help your child take their reading and writing to the next level. I was so impressed at the parent involvement and the many emails from those who couldn't make the evening meetings. These students are fantastic and it's a privilege to be their teacher.

We will be continuing with novels this week and I'm looking forward to Close Reading and further discussion of our Plot Elements. Remember the first Book Finale project will be due on October 25th. I'll be introducing the project options soon. Just a reminder to students as well to finish up their Utah Expedition Questions at the library. There are two due per trimester.

As always, I welcome hearing from parents and students and I'm eager to resolve any concerns and answer questions. I can be reached at rachel.robins@washk12.org or at school (435) 652-4742.

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, October 10th

2nd Period:  Audrey G., Shayli H., Sadie G., Jaedan M.

3rd Period:  Stryder H., Jackie L. Marcus J.

4th Period:  Olivia O., Erik P., Maddi P.

5th:  Laura G., Paola G., Garret G.

6th:  Victor G., Dillon G., Arelli H.

Monday, October 6th

Short PLC Monday
Book Commercials

Tuesday, October 7th

10 minutes free reading

Paired Text
Novel Reading

Wednesday, October 1

Novel Reading
Library Time

Thursday, October 2

10 minutes free reading
*2nd period Honors: Newspaper Day!
Close Reading Activity 
Novel Reading

Friday, October 3

Random Student
Nation-in-the-News
Finish Plot Elements Glue-In
Read Novels

Time to Celebrate!

I'm good about posting our weekly schedule but I forget to post some of the amazing things happening in Language Arts that parents and students need to know about--and, trust me, we've got some AMAZING things happening this year. Check it out...

What's Been Great in the First 8 Weeks...

A rather grumpy old lady in my neighborhood was complaining about the youth of today and how society is failing. Well, she hasn't seen my students! This year, we have several Severe Education students who are mainstreamed in my classes. I have been deeply touched by the consistent kindness the students show daily: including them, cheering them on and making my classroom a happy place to be. Likewise, students are showing that same behavior to all fellow classmates. Whether it's a high-5, laughs or encouragement, they seem to have each other's backs and it's pretty amazing to watch.

I'm seeing some pretty impressive academic achievement as well. Recently, we had a Sentence Assessment followed by a re-teaching and re-take opportunity.  Out of all the students who attended re-teaching, 99% scored higher-WOW! Students are using Flex time to catch up, emailing me, talking to me before and after school--each student wanting to know how to improve their grade. Totally awesome.

The Global Gecko!

Our first school newspaper will officially launch tomorrow and I couldn't be prouder of 2nd period Honors. From day one, we organized the paper, divided up into teams and reached consensus on every major decision. Props to Ellie Stark for pitching the Global Gecko newspaper name. Students were totally invested and have OWNED their section of the newspaper, working tirelessly with creativity and positive attitudes to create something that they can really be proud of. Another cool thing was Luke Bryan drawing our mascot (the day we talked about presenting one). The class voted to use it. Shade Joines immediately outlined and refined it with pen and passed it off to David Cosby who created a usable digital copy...talk about synergy! Our Layout Dept. (David, Shade, Katie Rubio and Rebekah Gentry) took charge of making sure the paper looked great and everyone was included. I'm so impressed by everyone's sense of ownership and pride in this monthly project. It's been the most rewarding and fun-to-watch moment of my teaching career.

 

iRead Program

I spent the summer researching how to help students become life-long readers. The 7th grade LA team and I created a program called iRead,which is all about students choosing to read, learning good reading skills and being rewarded. Yesterday in 6th period, a student mentioned that when I introduced this program (to read 10 books per trimester, 12 for Honors), he thought I was crazy and that he could never do it. Then, he looked at me with a big smile and said he'd already read 9! Suddenly, hands shot up and students shared similar stories. For some students who have been frustrated with reading, feeling success and reading more than the average American adult (3 books a year, by the way) is the BEST feeling ever. Several students already have Bingo on their tracking card and a handful of students are already on their way to a full blackout. I am so proud of them.

I am in my 3rd year of teaching and this is the best behaved, hardest working, enjoyable bunch of students I have taught. If the first 8 weeks have been this great, I can't WAIT for the rest of the year. The best is definitely yet to come--bring it on!

Week 8: September 29-October 3

I'm excited to begin our class novels this week.  Both "Wednesday Wars" (Honors) and "Out of the Dust" are excellent novels.  I know students will really enjoy this next unit. We'll learn about the plot cycle in-depth as well as characterization, setting and theme.  We will also cover figurative language and learn how to Close Read and use Paired Text.  Studying literature can be interesting and fun and will allow the students to broaden their understanding through critical thinking and analysis.  Did I mention it will be fun too? :)

The students have been doing well with the iRead program. I've so enjoyed helping them find good books and getting their thoughts on what they are reading. Remember, the requirement is 10 books per trimester, 12 books for Honors.  Students are responsible for trying a variety of genres, having me sign their Bingo card, recording their reading on their tracking form, recording their favorite line or quote per book and reading at home, at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

SEP (Parent Teacher Conferences) will be held Wednesday, October 1st and Thursday, October 2nd from 3:00-6:30pm in our Commons Area. I would LOVE to meet with each parent/guardian if possible. I have great things to say about your student and an individual reading/writing plan for them. I'll look forward to seeing you then.

As always, I welcome hearing from parents and students and I'm eager to resolve any concerns and answer questions. I can be reached at rachel.robins@washk12.org or at school (435) 652-4742.

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, September 26h

2nd Period:  Sierra, Matt Q., Skylar, Hallie

3rd Period:  Rachel, Haley, Leif

4th Period:  Lezly, Demetrik, Diego

5th:  Carmen, Tonga, Santiago

6th:  Holly, Carlos, Francisco

Monday, September 29

Assembly Schedule 
Honors: B Lab Newspaper Day
Genre-of-the-Week: Realistic Fiction
Book Fair Preview
Begin Novels

Tuesday, September 30

10 minutes free reading

Honors: Novel Unit Pre-Test
Point-of-View Mini-Lesson/Glue-in
Read Novels

Wednesday, October 1

10 minutes free reading

Setting Mini-Lesson/Glue-in

Read Novels

*School Newspaper, "The Global Gecko" created by 2nd period Honors will be available in the office (paper copy), on our school website and on my website to view.  Check it out!

SEP Parent Teacher Conferences 3-6:30pm

Scholastic Book Fair
*Class Book Orders Due

Thursday, October 2

10 minutes free reading
Read Novels

SEP Parent Teacher Conferences 3-6:30pm
Scholastic Book Fair

Friday, October 3

Random Student
Nation-in-the-News

Character Glue-In

Read Novels

Week 7: September 22-26 Happy Midterm!

It's mid-term already!  Grades are up-to-date and I'm so proud of the hard work that the students have accomplished.  If your student's grade is a little low. Chances are it's because of our Sentence Assessment or the iRead program (5 books required so far).  Good news!  Monday will be reteaching and students can retake the Sentence Assessment if needed. As far as books, for every book they finish, I'll be boosting their grade.  I'm also offering extra help before/after school as well as Flex time and I'm confident grades will continue to rise.  Please make sure your student is reading at home so they can keep up on their reading.

This week, we completed Argumentation 101--students are well-versed on the language and structure of argumentation.  Just give it a try, let them politely debate with using argumentation techniques (view both sides of the issue, then choose one side to defend with facts).  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and have a great conversation!

I'm beyond excited to dive into novels next week!  In Honors, we'll be reading Wednesday Wars and the regular LA classes will read Out of the Dust.  Both are excellent novels that are historically rich and show how teens overcome hard times.  Look for students to master plot structure, setting, characterization, and theme, as well as close reading and text comparison analysis.

As always, I welcome hearing from parents and students and I'm eager to resolve any concerns and answer questions. I can be reached at rachel.robins@washk12.org or at school (435) 652-4742.

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, September 26h

2nd Period:   Rebekah, Kyler, David, Lucy

3rd Period:  Ellie, Chanel, Ryan

4th Period:  Cazia, Jayden, Brandon

5th:  *Kenneth, Emilie L., Lemon, Colton

6th:  Ryder, Tanner, John

Monday, September 22

10 minutes free reading
Sign-up for Library Scholastic Book Fair
Reteaching (make-up Sentence Assessment)/Homework Hall

Tuesday, September 23

10 minutes free reading
Novel Web-quest  

Wednesday, September 24
10 minutes free reading
Random Student

Novel Pre-test
Begin Novel Reading

Thursday, September 25

Scope Magazine Debate:  Do Sports Fans go too Far
Library Day

Friday, September 26

Finish Scope Magazine Debate: T-Chart

Free Reading