Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Mrs. Robins's Sample Essay

As we move through the Superhero Essay, we are going one section at a time. First, I model how to write, then students try and check out each other's work. Here is the link if you need to view my sample essay to help you along...especially if you miss a day! Thanks!

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Week 29: Time for Argumentation

I'm excited to get back to the classroom on Monday. I have had an amazing week in Atlanta at the Learning Disabilities Conference. My mind is full of great ideas about how to teach my students with learning disabilities, but I'm walking away with an arsenal of ideas for all students. It's really been an amazing week. I received a great report from the substitute about how wonderful the students have been. I'll see everyone on Monday! Remember to keep reading and email me if you have questions about anything happening in class. We'll be moving in to argumentative writing next, so get ready! I'll be teaching this writing one step at a time so it's not overwhelming. We will also be writing about Superheros to make it fun!

Week 29
February 26-March 2

Monday, February 26th
Short PLC Day
Team Winners Declared
End-of-Month Drawing
Argumentative KWL Chart
Introduce Superhero Unit
*students will choose which 2 superheroes they will writing about
Book #1 DUE

Tuesday, February 27th
Free reading
Argumentative Vocabulary Notes
Argumentative Organization Notes

Wednesday, February 28th
Students read articles and fill out organizer
Model body paragraph #1

Thursday, March 1st
Model body paragraph #2
Students write body paragraphs #1 & #2

Friday, March 2nd
Model introduction and thesis
Students write introduction and thesis
Free reading when finished

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Friday, February 16, 2018

Week 28: Welcome Trimester 3!!

I can't believe there is only 1 trimester left in school! I'm so very proud of my hardworking students and all they accomplished--what wonderful learners! 3rd trimester is where it all comes together. We will be doing more writing, including argumentative essays, reading strategies and SAGE prep will be in full swing. We'll do another class novel as well--just an overall busy and fun trimester.

3rd trimester is also when the majority of students finish reading their 40 book equivalency and make it into the iRead 40 Club. Students who achieve this accomplishment receive an awesome t-shirt, candy bar and ticket into our HUGE end-of-year party. Remember to keep reading 20-30 mins each night!

I received a scholarship to attend the National Learning Disability Conference in Atlanta this week. It's an amazing opportunity to increase my knowledge as to how to help students with a wide range of learning disabilities. This is something I'm truly passionate about and really excited to add to my skill set. Classes will be in the hands of a capable sub (and Mrs. Gubler will teach our 1st period as usual) and I'll be available via email should you need to contact me. Have a wonderful week!

Students: If you read this blog post, add 5 points to your team scorecard and get a Robins Reward! *End-of-Month Drawing, New Teams and Team Winners will all happen when I return.


Week 28 Schedule

Monday, February 19th
No School: President's Day

Tuesday, February 20th
Reading Benchmark Testing: Link in Google Classroom
Vocabulary, CCSS (informational reading)

Wednesday, February 21st
Library Day: Meet Upstairs

Thursday, February 22nd
Reading Benchmark Testing: Link in Google Classroom
Reading Comprehension

Friday, February 23rd
SAGE Writing Benchmark: Informational B
First iRead book is due February 26th


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Big congrats to the Courtneys!! They both have qualified for the iRead 40 Club and I'm so proud of them! Way to go girls:)



Another HUGE congrats to Phoenix O!! He won an essay contest from Scope Magazine--this is a nationwide contest and he was selected as writing one of the best essays on the subject of life on other plants. He received a letter from the Scope editor (and author) Kristen Lewis and a brand new book! Well done Phoenix!



Book Speed Dating!

Valentine's Day is my favorite teaching day of the year! We do book speed dating and it's a blast. Students talk to each other about their favorite book, why they liked it and what it's all about. It is just a fun day all about books! This year was fantastic, here are some pictures of the kids loving books.


















Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Week 27: Last Week of the Trimester!

Another awesome week with the best 7th graders around! I appreciate their hard work and I'm excited to end the 2nd trimester on a high note.

Just a reminder, Wednesday, February 14th is the FINAL day to hand in missing work, late work or books.

This week is one of my favorite teaching weeks because of Valentine's Day. Students need to come prepared to talk about a favorite book they have read (if they can have a copy of the book with them) or a favorite book they are reading. It's Book Speed Dating and it's a blast!

Here's a picture from last year and a summary that's found on my Middle School: It's All About Engagement Google Plus Site: https://plus.google.com/communities/108795713456280067401

Book Love! Last year I started a new Valentine's Day tradition. I changed up desks in my room and created ambiance. Students brought the book they were currently reading and were prepared to talk about it...think speed-dating with books. They talked to another student, both sharing a summary of what they were reading, then rotated to the next partner and learned about another book. Students were surprised at this activity, had a blast and spent 51 minutes talking about books: heaven!

Photo

Week 27
February 12th-February 16th

Monday, February 12th
Socratic Circle
Article-of-the-Week DUE 
Free Reading

Tuesday, February 13th
Free Reading
Elaboration Practice (3-column sheet)

Wednesday, February 14th
Valentine's Day Book Speed Dating
Come prepared with your favorite book or use the book you are currently reading. You'll be telling other students what it is about in hopes that they'll read it too. Prizes too--details in class!
Last Day for Missing/Late Work

Thursday, February 15th
Honors: Newspaper Day
Scope Magazine: The Rise of the Kid Chef Article & Writing Prompt
Free Reading
Book #10 Due
Book #12 Due HONORS

Friday, February 16th
Drama Class Play: Hello Shakespeare!
4th period: Writing Fun 
Last Day of Trimester 2

Friday, February 2, 2018

Week 26: February 5-February 9

It's been a rigorous, yet enjoyable week, as we've wrapped up our Grammar Boot Camp unit and focus on explanatory essays. Essay writing is difficult, but I'm hoping to break-it-down and have students engage in meaningful practice to make it manageable.

The trimester will end on February 16th. It's really important students get in all their missing work and give it their best to get their grades up. I'm available before/after school or during advisory if they require extra help. Remember too that students are required to read 20-30 minutes at home each day. Thank you for the ongoing support!

Week 26 Schedule 

Monday, February 5th
Genre-of-the-Week/Prefix/Class Jobs
Article-of-the-Week (DUE NEXT MONDAY)
Explanatory Essay Re-Cap Assignment
Free Reading
Book #9 DUE

Tuesday, February 6th
Honors: Newspaper Day!
Reader's Theater: The Lost King

Wednesday, February 7th
Library Day

Thursday, February 8th
GECKO Day
Enrichment, Reteach or Homework Hall
Must have scored 19 or higher on Utah Compose & have passing grade to attend Enrichment

Friday, February 9th
Scope Magazine: "Bearing Up" short story
Making Inferences worksheet
Free Reading/Missing Work




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Big congrats to these newest members of our iRead 40 Club!!!


Star R.

Zach B.

AnnDee J.