Week 25 Update and Schedule

It has been a fantastic week as student have begin reading "Out of the Dust".  They have practiced research skills and learned the critical thinking skill of Close Reading.  As the end of the trimester comes quickly, please be aware of the following:

• Book Reports are due Wednesday, February 5th.  I'll need time to get these grades in before the trimester ends so I do not want late work.
• Check PowerSchool frequently and let me know if you have questions.  I'm grading Research Papers this weekend, so watch for updated grades.
• Extra Credit Effort assignments are in class--students need to pick one up.  Each sheet (text evidence practice) is worth 10 effort points.
• Extra Credit Academic options: revise/redo any assignment or do a writing contest (forms in class)
• Practice SAGE testing--we'll be doing it class soon but home practice would be great.  All the information was in an email I sent this week or see the blog.
• Keep reading at HOME and record it in your planner.  Not doing and recording home reading is the #1 reason for poor citizenship.  Students need to read 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Thank you for your support--please contact me by calling the school (652-4742) or emailing me.  It is truly a pleasure to teach your child and I look forward to being here every day! 

Utah-the-News 

Presenting Friday, February 7th

1st Period: Brett, Donovon, Kaleigh B, Rachel

2nd Period:  All Finished!

4th Period:   *Jonah, *Daveena, *Jeremy, *Brittany, *Geronimo, Kenneth
5th Period:   Byson, Quincey, Kaden, Hallie *Brock
6th Period:  *Tyler, Alexis, Nate R., Sandy

Week 25 Schedule

February 3rd-7th

Monday, February 3rd

Schedule Week 25/Reading Check Week 24
Journal Write: Text-to-Self Connection
"Out of the Dust": Spring 1934
 Learning Objective:  I can be organized and show Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can make a text-to-self connection with the character of Billie and write about it.  I can read and comprehend literature.

Tuesday, February 4th

Journal Write
Paired Text: World War Poem
"Out of the Dust":  Summer 1934
Learning Objective:  I can read multiple texts, make connections, find text evidence and write about it.  I can read and comprehend literature.

Wednesday, February 5th

 BOOK REPORTS DUE!
"Out of the Dust" Finish Summer 1934
Close Reading: "The Accident"AM/PM Wednesday Reading Club  

Learning Objective:  I can practice Close Reading to increase my comprehension.  I can read and comprehend literature.

Thursday, February 6th  

"Out of the Dust" Autumn 1934

Library Day

Learning Objective:  I can read and comprehend literature.  I can gain valuable informational/research library skills.

Friday, January 31st

Utah-in-the-News
Random Student
Gecko Time: Enrichment or Homework Hall

Learning Objective:  I can practice speaking/listening skills during Utah-in-the-News.  I will attend school and participate in Gecko Time.  If I am caught-up on my work, I will enjoy an enriched learning activity.  If I am missing work, I will attend HOmework Hall where I can receive extra time and support to help me.

Week 24: January 27-31--the Novel Unit Begins!

It's been a busy week as students have finished their Argumentative Research papers and I've been very pleased to see many students push themselves hard and do their best.  I can' wait to start reading them!  I like to grade as quickly as possible, so look for scores to be posted this week.  The trimester is ending soon, so any students who have not handed in their assignment will be placed on lunch detention to give them extra time to finish if needed.  I can' stress how important it is to meet deadlines--it's real-world preparation.

Information on Snow Canyon Middle Honors English program (this was sent in an email, but here it is again):
Students were given their registration for SCMS last week and I've had several questions on the application process for Honors English.

If your child loves to read and/or write, I would strongly encourage them to apply to be in Honors English next year.  I did my college Practicum time with Ms. Nesmith and saw how the Honors program worked. She is an outstanding teacher and students really have the opportunity to succeed in her class.

The SCMS counselor has told me that all they need is a writing sample with a scored rubric.  Students can use their Personal Narrative from this fall or their Research paper that was due on Friday. If you want to use the Research paper, please email me this weekend and I'll grade your child's paper first and have it ready by Monday or Tuesday.  I'll have them print out their paper, staple the rubric to it and we'll deliver it to Ms. Poll who will take it to Snow Canyon Middle School.

I have talked to many of my students and encouraged them to apply as they have the skills, talent and work ethic to really do well in Honors English.

Upcoming Deadlines:  Just as a reminder, book reports are due February 5th and then end of our trimester is on February 7th.  Please encourage your student to buckle down and work as hard as they can to be successful.

We will be starting our Novel Unit this week.  I have selected Karen Hesse's "Out of the Dust."  See the "Novel Corner" blog post for information about the book.  We will focus on character analysis, close reading, paired text, poetry, author's purpose and critical thinking. I have a lot of fun things planned and I am excited to explore this text with students.  As we do this unit, we will also be practicing the kind of questions that will be on the new SAGE end-of-level test then move to our Test Preparation unit.

Here is the schedule for next week:

Utah-the-News 

Presenting Friday, January 31st

1st Period: Armando, Donovan, Lucy, Amanda

2nd Period:  Conner,  Elley, Tiffani, Alex, Mikayla L., Makayla T.

4th Period:  Aleya, Jonah, Daveena, Jeremy, Brittany, Geronimo, Kenneth
5th Period:  *Teagun, Lacey, Brock, Kayla, Chelsi
6th Period:  Emily, Tyler, Kate, Cheyenne

Week 24 Schedule

January 27-31

Monday, January 27th

Schedule Week 24/Reading Check Week 23
Random Student
Utah-in-the-News
Monday Write: Creative

Learning Objective:  I will be organized and show Mrs. Robins my reading minutes and schedule our upcoming week.  I can practice speaking/listening skills during Utah-in-the-News.  I can practice my writing skills during the creative writing exercise.

Tuesday, January 28th

Introduction to "Out of the Dust"
Computer-Based Exploration of the 1930's Oklahoma Dust Bowl
Learning Objective:  I can understand what our novel unit will cover and what I will be expected to learn.  I can use technology to explore and understand the Oklahoma Dust Bowl.

Wednesday, January 29th

"Out of the Dust": Winter 1934
Introduction to Close Reading

AM/PM Wednesday Reading Club  

Learning Objective:   I can understand how to do a Close Reading and reflect on what I have read.  

Thursday, January 30th  

Scope Magazine: Paired Text Activity

Library Day

Learning Objective:  I can read two texts, understand them, make connections and practice critical thinking skills.

Friday, January 31st

Utah-in-the-News
Random Student
Gecko Time: Enrichment or Homework Hall

Learning Objective:  I can practice speaking/listening skills during Utah-in-the-News.  I will attend school and participate in Gecko Time.  If I am caught-up on my work, I will enjoy an enriched learning activity.  If I am missing work, I will attend HOmework Hall where I can receive extra time and support to help me.

Research Paper Instructions, Part 2

Hi Everyone,  I will be out of town on Thursday and Friday, so I am posting these instructions for you.  They are also on the board, but this will allow you to work from home too if you need it.  Please be respectful to the sub, to each other and get your paper finished on time!  I'll miss you all and look forward to seeing you on Monday!

Peer Editing- If you did not do this on Tuesday or Wednesday, it is too late now and you will not receive points for it.  Please move on to the Final Revision.

Final Revision Instructions:  Most of you will be working on this section throughout Wednesday, Thursday and will finish on Friday.  Please don't just skim over this and call it good.  This is your chance to work extra hard and refine your writing.

1.  Share your paper with me though Google Drive
2.  Make any changes your editor has suggested
3.  Make any changes that Mrs. Robins talked to you about during Teacher Conference
4.  Carefully read through your paper and look for the following:

• Do you have 6 (or 5 if you were told to) paragraphs?  Is each paragraph 5-8 sentences long?
• Have you capitalized all proper nouns (names, places, and "I") and does each sentence begin with a capital letter?
• Is your claim statement at the end of the first paragraph?  Does it clearly state which side of the issue you are on a why?
• Does each paragraph clearly connect to the claim?
• For each piece of evidence you have, is there some kind of citation to go along with it?
• Have you used strong verbs and good descriptive language?  
• Do you have a counter claim paragraph that clearly states the other side and have you refuted it?
• Do you have a strong conclusion (follow directions on blue sheet)?
• Is your Bibliography done correctly according to directions on the left-hand side of this blog ("Research Paper Instructions")?
• Have you looked at the rubric in the white Research packet and made sure your paper meets the criteria?
• It might be a good idea, if you have time, to have another class member (who didn't do your peer edit) look over your paper to before turning it in.

To Hand in your Final Draft

After you have carefully looked through this checklist, you can hand in your final draft if it is Thursday or Friday.

1.  Make sure you have "shared" with me through Google Drive

2.  Hand the white Research Packet to the sub.  He'll give it to me.  Make sure your name is on the top. This is the only way you will receive a grade.

After You've Handed in Your Final Draft  (Friday)

Congratulations!  You've earned some free time until class is over on Friday. You may do one of the following after the sub says it is ok:

1.  Read your book for your book report

2.  Work on your book report, if I run out of forms, I'll restock on Monday

3.  Go to the library and do a Utah Expedition Question (you should have at least 2 stickers by this point)

4.  Do homework for another class

5.  Play an educational game, from a teacher website, on the computer

Week 23 Update and Schedule

Whew!  What an awesome week in Language Arts it has been!  Students have dove into their research, explored their topics, crafted a claim statement and have worked on completing their first draft.  I am so proud of their hard work and effort.  Being able to research, critically think, see two sides of an argument and defend your ideas is a life-skill that will continue to benefit the students.

It is a 3-day weekend (yay!) but if students did not complete their first draft, they are responsible to finish at home and have it ready for Tuesday. We are doing Peer Editing on Tuesday and if they are not prepared, they cannot participate in editing or have their paper edited.  This will be unfortunate because they won't receive the valuable feedback they need.  Please make sure your child is prepared for class on Tuesday.

Looking ahead--Book Reports are due February 5th.  I will have book report forms available for students to select on Tuesday.  Most students have already committed to a book, or I assigned them a book if they didn't already have one.  The book needs to be 150 pages or more and one that they haven't read before. They can select any book report type they haven't done before.  I'll have a wide variety available.

Thank you for your ongoing support--I try to do grading quickly, so keep an eye on PowerSchool and let me know if you have questions.  I'll be at a training on Thursday and Friday, but I'll leave good instructions for my sub and I can be reached by email anytime throughout the day.  My email is rachel.robins@washk12.org or call the school at 652-4742.
Enjoy the long weekend!

Utah-the-News 

Presenting MONDAY, January 27th

1st Period: Ethan H., Demi H., Carson H. (turn-in from last week), Trayson, Mckade, Kailee H.

2nd Period:  Conner, Jessica, Sadie

4th Period:  Brittany, Geronimo, Kenneth
5th Period:  Brady, Bryson, Quincy
6th Period:  Holden, Skylee, Dallas, Kasey

Week 23 Schedule

January 20-24

Monday, January 20th

No School: Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Tuesday, January 21st (meet in class)

Calendaring/Reading Check
Peer Editing
Learning Objective:  I can carefully edit a paper, looking for specific elements and have my own paper edited to prepare for my final revision.

Wednesday, January 22nd (meet in B Lab)

Work on Final Draft
Teacher Writer's Conferences

AM Wednesday Reading Club only this week

Learning Objective:  Using feedback from my editor and Mrs. Robins, I will carefully craft the final draft of my Research Paper.

Thursday, January 23rd (meet in B Lab)

Work on Final Draft 

Library Day

Learning Objective:  Using feedback from my editor and Mrs. Robins, I will carefully craft the final draft of my Research Paper. I can gain and practice informational text research skills in the library.

Friday, January 24th (meet in D Lab)

Final Draft Due Today (Google-Share with Mrs. Robins)

Homework Hall (finish Final Draft) or Gecko Enrichment

Learning Objective:  I will practice speaking and listening skills and informational text skills during Utah-in-the-News.  I'll have my Final Draft finished today and will participate in an enriched learning activity for Gecko Time or use my time wisely and finish missing work during Homework Hall.

Week 22 Update and Schedule

It's been a great week in Language Arts!  I'm very pleased with the hard work students are putting into their Argumentative Research papers.  It's exciting to see students stretch themselves and gain valuable critical-thinking/research skills.  Please encourage your student to stay on top of the work and if they get behind or miss a day, have them meet with me before or after school.

My goal is to have students do all their work in class where I can help them.  However, if they do need more time or miss school they can work on their assignment at home (Google Drive) and can access the research data base: Pioneer Library at home as well.  The link to Pioneer Library is  Pioneer Library. Students then need to select "SIRS Issues Researcher" and go to their topic of choice.  Home access login name = pioneer and password = student.

Looking Ahead: The next book report is due February 5th.  Students may read any book they haven't read before that is at least 150 pages.  They can select any book report type they choose.

Thank you for your support, please contact me with any questions at rachel.robins@washk12.org or 435-652-4742.

Utah-the-News 

Presenting Friday, January 17th

1st Period: Ethan H., Demi H., Carson H.

2nd Period:  Dylan C., Jaylie E., Bri. G.

4th Period:  Wyatt P., Christian P., Bryanna O.
5th Period:  Aston H., Mia H., Andrew H.
6th Period: Brinkley M., Adi M., Sammi M.

Week 22 Schedule

January 13-17

Monday, January 13th (meet in classroom then B Lab)

Calendar Wk. 22/ Wk. 21 Reading Check (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week required)
Handout on Organization
Mini-Lesson: Claim, Text Evidence
Finish Research Chart/Information Outline
 Learning Objective: I can be organized by showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.   I can further understand and practice crafting a claim and using text evidence as I begin drafting my Argumentative Research Paper.

Tuesday, January 14th (meet in B Lab)

Mini-Lesson: Warrant, Counterclaim
Finish Information Outline/Begin 1st Draft
Learning Objective:  I can understand and practice crafting a warrant and counterclaim as I continue drafting an Argumentative Research Paper. 

Wednesday, January 15th (meet in B Lab)

Work on 1st Draft 

AM/PM Wednesday Reading Club

Learning Objective:  I will continue drafting my Argumentative Research Paper.

Thursday, January 16th (meet in B Lab)

Work on 1st Draft 

Library

Learning Objective:  I will continue drafting my Argumentative Research Paper. I can gain and practice informational text research skills in the library.

Friday, January 17th (meet in B Lab)

Utah-in-the-News

1st Draft Due Today

Gecko Time 

Learning Objective:  I will practice speaking and listening skills and informational text skills during Utah-in-the-News.  I'll have my 1st Draft prepared today and will participate in an enriched learning activity for Gecko Time or use my time wisely and finish missing work during Homework Hall.

Week 21: Update and Schedule

I am excited to begin our Argumentative Research Paper: Fight with Facts!  The life-skill/Common Core aligned concept is all about researching and deeply thinking about both sides of an issue, then making a decision and backing up an argument with facts.  Students will use the SIRS Research Database (from Utah's Pioneer Library) to choose their topics and access age-appropriate research.  This is a big unit and I'll be walking students through the steps, one at a time.  It's very important that students be in attendance so they understand the process.  This unit will stretch over the month.

I so appreciate the outpouring of support from parents & guardians; please contact me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or 435-652-4742.

Utah-the-News 

Presenting Monday, January 13th

1st Period: *Derek R., Melanie L., Ben K. & Alberto M.

2nd Period:  *Sauni N., Taylor T., Ethan R., Kaden C.

4th Period:  Levi R., Brittany C., Tim S.
5th Period:  Teagun C., Cade G., Chole D.
6th Period: Holden F., Yessenia F., Jake J.

Week 21 Schedule

January 6-10

Monday,January 6th

Calendar Wk. 21/ Wk. 20 Reading Check (60 minutes required)
Introduce Argumentative Research Paper & Argumentation
Scope: Facebook Activity
 Learning Objective: I can be organized by showing Mrs. Robins my reading minutes.  I can learn and understand what Argumentation is and what I will need to do for my Argumentative Research Paper.

Tuesday, January 7th

Finish Facebook Activity
Explore SIRS Research Data Base (B-Lab)
Begin Topic Organizer
Learning Objective:  I can practice using Argumentative techniques.  I can understand and use the SIRS Research Data Base and begin researching topics.

Wednesday, January 8th (meet in B Lab)
Finish Topic Organizer, Choose a Topic
Research Chart, Bibliography Instruction
AM/PM Wednesday Reading Club
Learning Objective:  I can practice using Argumentative techniques.  I can understand and use the Research Chart.  I can understand how to create a Bibliography.

Thursday, January 9th (meet in B Lab)
Begin Research Chart
Library
Learning Objective:  I can understand and use the Research Chart.  I can gain and practice informational text research skills in the library.

Friday, January 10th (meet in B Lab)
Finish Research Chart
*Research Chart Due Today
Learning Objective: I can complete my Research Chart.  I will gain knowledge about my topic and begin to organize my information.