Week 19: 'Twas the Week Before Christmas...

Another great week as we are very close to wrapping up "A Christmas Carol". It's been so fun to read by candlelight, explore vocab strategies and talk about symbolism in the context of a wonderful story about change.

This will count as a book read for students. However, if they've missed more than a day of reading and did not make it up, I cannot let them count it. Please (begging here) do your missing work!

First of all, if you were absent Friday, here is what you need to do:

1- Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXce_-7g2cQ to LISTEN to "A Christmas Carol" and listen to Stave 4 beginning on 2:14:20.
OR
Go to https://www.pagebypagebooks.com/Charles_Dickens/A_Christmas_Carol/Stave_4_The_Last_of_the_Spirits_p1.html and read Stave 4

2-EMAIL me a summary of what you read. What are the main things that happened.

3-Now, copy down STAVE 4 Vocabulary--click to get a larger view:). You need to do the email, then show me the completed vocab. for points for Friday.

Nope, there are NO Reading Logs due during Christmas vacation. However, I am sending home an OPTIONAL Christmas Break Reading Challenge if your child would like to participate. I don't have it available online yet.  

Week 19

December 16th-20th

Monday, December 16th

Stave 5 Vocabulary

Finish A Christmas Carol

Week 18 READING LOG DUE 

Christmas Carol Vocabulary DUE 

Tuesday, December 17th

Christmas Carol Character Analysis

*this is the "test" and it's due today.

If students need additional time, they can finish

at home and turn in on Wednesday.

Wednesday, December 18th

A Christmas Carol 

Book-to-Movie Comparison Worksheet

Thursday, December 19th

A Christmas Carol 

Book-to-Movie Comparison Worksheet

Friday, December 20th

A Christmas Carol 

Book-to-Movie Comparison Worksheet DUE

Week #19 READING LOG DUE

BIG Monthly Drawing!!!!

Annual Robins Coco Party!!

*I'll have students sign up to bring something to share on Monday.

This fun party is my way to say Merry Christmas!!

**Tell me you read this blog for a ROBINS REWARD **

Wishing each of a very Merry Christmas! I cherish the time with your children and wish each of you the very best! 

Week #18: A Christmas Carol Novel Study!

 

We are continuing our study of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, which is so much fun to read and understand. I'm also teaching different vocabulary strategies as we look at unfamiliar words in each stave (chapter). The students are always so insightful, and it's just been a fun week as they were introduced to the novel and we started listening. This novel is all about change and wanting to do good to others. It's a message that applies in our day as well as 1843.

Other important reminders/news:

• Reading Logs are due each Monday!!!! I've written extensively about this in previous posts. Please encourage your student to read at home and record it. The only way to improve reading is...well, more reading. They can count our class novel--just have to be on it to write it down and hand it in on Monday.

• Book Orders: Want to buy your child CHEAP books for Christmas? Order by Thursday, December 11th. If you don't want your child to know what you are getting them, shoot me an email and I'll bag the books up and leave in the office for you to pick up later. Order online here: https://theb7robinsnest.blogspot.com/p/scholastic-book-orders.html I can no longer accept cash (district rule), so order online or bring in a check with an order form.

• Book Donations: The book drive is on supporting supplying books to women's prisons in Nevada. This is a project from the daughter of one of these women who attends Desert Hills High School. I think it's a worthy project and a unique way to give back. Please send books to me by Thursday, December 18th. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NpO1_ALd4T-4P2zIme43E517yzu7bWVcbpgsJUIy7D0/edit

• Christmas Cards Needed: Each year I have students write Christmas cards to residents at the Ivins VA. My grandpa is there and I sure have a soft heart for the elderly who are there. If you have any unused Christmas cards, please send them in with your students and we'll put them to good use.

• Live Production of A Christmas Carol showing at Washington City's Brigham Playhouse, click here for details: https://www.brighamsplayhouse.com/a-christmas-carol.html  If you attend, have your child write a paragraph summary of what they thought about it/if it's like the book and hand in to me for EXTRA CREDIT. I'll give them 5 points, which is the equivalent of one week's worth of reading.

Week 18

December 9-December 13

Monday, December 9th

yet another PLC Day...

Christmas Carol, Stave II

Ghost of Christmas Past Organizer

READING LOGS DUE

Tuesday, December 10th

Stave III Vocabulary Game (Synonym Strategy)

Begin Christmas Carol, Stave III

Wednesday, December 11th

Library Day

Free Reading, Pass of books 

*be sure to write any books you've finished in 

a bingo square and label it "2"

BOOK ORDERS DUE

Thursday, December 12th

Christmas Carol, Stave III:  Finish

Exit Ticket

Friday, December 13th

*Mrs. Robins out of the classroom, Mrs. Larsen to sub

Copy Stave IV Vocabulary

Reading Christmas Carol, Stave IV

Students: For a Robins Reward... use one of our vocab words in a sentence when I greet you at the door sometime this week!!

Week #17: Introduction to "A Christmas Carol"

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving break with family and friends! I'm excited to be back to enjoy the 3 week stretch until Christmas vacation.

I am including this on the weekly email as well, but we are participating in a very special book drive. I'm honored to support this cause. Please see the flyer for details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NpO1_ALd4T-4P2zIme43E517yzu7bWVcbpgsJUIy7D0/edit?usp=sharing

This is a great way to serve, is spearheaded by a local student, is promoting literacy and you can clean out your home libraries!

We will be diving into Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, which has long been one of my favorite novels. I taught it for the first time last year with great success and great reception from students. It's a fabulous read that will also count as a completed book on their iRead Bingo Card. Per usual, 3 days of in-class reading may be counted for daily reading but students must be responsible and fill out their reading log. Here are some highlights of how we will be reading this novel.

• Yes, the plan is to watch the movie before school is out to really focus on compare/contrast of the book and movie genres. This is part of our state-mandated core...and it's totally enjoyable!
• I'll be front-loading vocabulary. In small groups, students will be assigned a word to research and share with the rest of the class for each stave. They will learn about ten new words per stave (chapter).
• I will also introduce them to the time period and novel-specific situations to help them better understand what is happening. For example, Tiny Tim's illness, child labor and Victorian currency.
• Yes, the language is elevated and sometimes unfamiliar. However, it's amazing how our brains can start to fill in the gaps, so after a day or two of listening in class, the novel will start to come together and make sense.
• There will be some art elements in translating the depiction of the 4 ghosts to a visual format.
• Lots of focus and discussion on the theme of change and how Scrooge is capable of great change. 
• I'll be introducing the novel in a fun, engaging way this week, so be sure to ask for child for details!

Much to my frustration, students are already missing a lot of work. I know everyone misses school on occasion, but students have got to learn to take the initiative and take care of missing work ASAP. I sure appreciate those who do!

I've had big plans to do a special party for students with NO missing work last trimester and outstanding behavior for myself and my substitute when I was out with medical leave. Unfortunately, the high amount of students I'm having to request each week to finish work hasn't left me time. These students will get a special treat and reward from me on Monday, so be sure to be at school:) 

As always, I'm happy to discuss your individual student--I love what I do and I love seeing your child succeed! Do not hesitate to email me or call me before or after school hours (435-652-4742).

All the best, Mrs. Robins

Week #17 Schedule

Monday, December 2nd
Turkey Reading Challenge Due
Pick up a Week #17 Reading Log!
Figurative Language Quiz
Christmas Carol Introduction

Tuesday, December 3rd
Bellwork: Writing Prompt
Finish Christmas Carol Introduction
Stave I Vocabulary

Wednesday, December 4th
A Christmas Carol
Reading & Activity

Thursday, December 5th
A Christmas Carol
Reading & Activity

Friday, December 6th
A Christmas Carol
Reading & Activity

Week #15 and Week #16: Schedule for the rest of November

It's been a great week and I'm happy to be able to be back in the classroom full time! We've covered Nonfiction Notice and Note as well as our writing benchmark and an amazing Engineering Day! Be sure to follow my private class instagram at @therealmrsrobins for pictures.

I'm seeing HUGE progress on reading logs. Thank you for the support.
Remember to read 1/2 hr. at least 5 days a week. The time can be in multiple increments. Full points on Monday, -1 on Tuesday, -2 on Wednesday. After Wednesday, logs won't be accepted and students will have to do a make-up assignment...which is more work.

There will be NO Reading Log on Week #16. Of course, reading during the break would be great, but I'm offering an OPTIONAL reading challenge instead: click here for details. 

Reading Benchmarks on Monday. I'll analyze results and might need to shift students around in reading support and reading advisory. I'm excited to see progress!!!

Keep in touch and let me know if you have questions:)

Monday, November 18th
Short PLC Day, School out at 12:45pm 
*yes, this is different time due to busing issues
SRI Reading Benchmark

Tuesday, November 19th
Introduction to Figurative Language with our
DSU Practicum Student:)
*must return purple permission slip to attend

Wednesday, November 20th
Library Day
Finish Reading & Writing Benchmarks (as needed)

Thursday, November 21st
Begin Figurative Language Project Presentations

Friday, November 22nd
Figurative Language Project Presentations

Monday, November 25th
Present Figurative Language Presentations
Week #15 Reading Log DUE

Tuesday, November 26th
Gila-Thon
Free Reading/Catch-up Day

Code Phrase: Tell Me One Thing You Are Grateful For & I'll Give You A Robins Reward:)

Thanksgiving Break

School Resumes Monday, December 2nd

Week #14: Finish up Non Fiction Notice and Note:)

I'm glad to be back--slowly getting back into the swing of things. Thank you for your patience. Behavior has massively improved since my return and I appreciate it:)

There have been some big changes in class--please read last week's blog post if you haven't yet.

Looking forward to finishing Notice and Note (Nonfiction), then moving into our trimester writing benchmark, then wrapping it up with a fun, Engineering Day when math, science and language arts combine for students to have an engaging experience.

I appreciate the ongoing support. Remember full points are ONLY on Monday for your Reading Logs, so be sure to hand it in on time:) Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Week 14 Schedule

November 11th-November 15th

Monday, November 11th

Week 13 Reading Logs Due

Monthly Drawing (since a lot of you will miss Friday)

Word Gaps notes and practice
Contrast and Contradiction notes and practice
Quiz Review

Tuesday, November 12th

iRead Celebration
MUST HAVE 4 BOOKS LABELED 1.5 (second half of 1st trimester)
PASSED OFF TO ME...before this day. No same-day passing off, there isn't time.

Wednesday, November 13th

Non Fiction Notice and Note Quiz
Free Reading

Thursday, November 14th

Writing Benchmark

Friday, November 15th

Engineering Day


Code Phrase for a Robins Reward: I'm Thankful for Books!

Week #13: Welcome Trimester 2...it's a new start!

I am looking forward to returning to the classroom on Monday! I'm coming off of a respiratory illness, but am on the tail-end and feeling much better. I've missed teaching and am excited to get back to what I love with students I really enjoy!

After looking at 1st trimester grades and the unusually high amount of missing work, I'm going to change a few things that I'd like everyone to be aware of (I'll review this on Monday too).

New Trimester: Clean Slate!!

• Reading Logs due Monday for full points. You can hand them in on Tuesday or Wednesday, but points will be reduced. No points after Wednesday, you'll need to do a make-up assignment. I'll be handing out those make-up assignments each Wednesday and it's up to the students to complete it. Please be honest and thorough in keeping track of what you read.
• In-class reading or at-school reading does count, you just have to write it down.
• I strongly encourage you to work with your child to make a system. The only way to improve your reading ability is reading. We have so many low readers, please, please help.
• Students in Study Skills classes or with IEP's may have individual accommodations--these are made on a one-to-one basis.
• There has been major behavior problems in my absence. I'm running the method our school recommends (4 R's). I'm really frustrated that some students are disruptive and ruining the learning experience for others. It's unacceptable and won't be happening anymore. If a student violates expectations or disrupts class...
• They are reminded of expectations 
• They are redirected (given a warning-time to refocus)
• Next step is relocation to another classroom, library or area in my room where they will fill out a "think sheet" that comes home. They will also lose behavior points from a bank I'm giving all students that will effect their grade.
• In Class-Teams are discontinued at this point due to student behavior in my absence. Instead, students with 0 missing assignments and 0 behavior issues during 1st trimester will be invited to a celebration during advisory--invitations are coming. This is in lieu of teams parties that were going to happen.
• New Seating Charts are coming. I need to make sure students with vision/attention issues get front-row seating. Some students will be experiencing schedule changes due to disruptive behavior. Once I get all that solidified, I'll make the change.
• Expect More Home Contact I've never had a group of students where so there are so many missing assignments and behavior problems. When I see a pattern, your student and I will call you from school to enlist your support and make a plan.
• Technology Violations-I'll be using our district monitoring system, Impereo. This means every time we use computers, students screens will be displayed for all to see. Students trying to sneak gaming or YouTube will be given a technology violation and home contact made. If these continue, your student will lose their Digital Driver's License and will no longer be able to use technology at school--which will make life very difficult. Please encourage your student to be honest. 
• Expect More Rewards: Touch Gold cards, Robins Rewards, Candy, Surprises, Drawings, etc. I want to reward those students who merit it due to outstanding effort, academic performance, good attitudes, on-time work, great behavior, etc. 

Just a reminder, student photos are  displayed on our private class Instagram account @therealmrsrobins. Please follow and see what fun things we are doing in class.

This week we will be diving into Nonfiction Notice and Note--a way to close read informational text. It's a fun, engaging way to quickly survey text for critical information to promote understanding. I'm teaching in the context of articles about refugees (Scope Magazine). If your student misses a day this week, they must sign up for advisory to glue in notes and get missed material. This stuff is hard to make-up, so please be in attendance.

Week 13 Schedule

Time to Start Fresh

Monday, November 4th

Week 12 Reading Logs Due

Procedure Review

Trimester Reflection/Goal Setting

Tuesday, November 5th

"War in America" Syrian Refugee article

Nonfiction Notice and Note: Numbers & Stats notes and practice

Wednesday, November 6th

Library Day!

Meet upstairs in the library:)

*pass off books to me

Thursday, November 7th

Quoted Words and Extreme & Absolute Language notes and practice 

N & N Game on concepts learned so far

Friday, November 8th

Monthly Drawing (based on behavior)

"I Live in a Refugee Camp" article 

Word Gaps notes and practice

STUDENTS: TELL ME YOU READ THE BLOG TO RECEIVE A ROBINS REWARD

Week #12: LAST WEEK OF TRIMESTER

I've been at home recovering from surgery and fighting a respiratory illness--it's been a long week! Mrs. Larsen has done an excellent job of filling in for me and I appreciate those students who have buckled down and worked hard! My goal is to come back on Monday, November 4th. I'm looking forward to kicking off a new trimester with you!

I'm discouraged with the amount of missing work this trimester. I've never taught a group of students where there were so many missing assignments and the lowest grades I've ever seen in my teaching career. My class isn't terribly difficult if you show up, turn in reading logs and turn in assignments. Unfortunately, a good amount of you aren't doing this:) 

On Monday, you'll receive an individual missing work report. I expect everyone to buckle down and get some work in. Here's what you need to know:

• If it's on Google Classroom--go on Google Classroom, complete assignment and be sure to hit "turn in"
• Paper work is filed by date in the "Missed Work" blue crate at front of the classroom.
• If it's 2 weeks late, chances are that the assignment isn't available anymore (per my disclosure)...so you'll need to do a make-up assignment located at the front of the classroom. I'll even hang a sign by it this weekend. 
• With make-up work...1 make-up assignment  =  points for 1 missed assignment
• If you are missing several reading logs, you need to do several make-up assignments
• If you are NOT missing any work, you'll have a Touch Gold card waiting for you and my eternal gratitude. You'll have time to read on Monday: congrats!!!!!
• If it's a Reading Log you can't make up reading from the past...unless you time travel...so you'll need to do another make-up assignment. Again, located at the front of the classroom. 
• If you swore you handed it in, check the NO NAME box located by the class box
• I am available by email, don't hesitate to email me. Please don't demand I grade your late work immediately, it's rude.

• Yes, reading logs are still due each MONDAY.  I have teacher friends that live near me and will bring me work to correct. I'll still be actively grading:)
• Yes, I'm available by email at rachel.robins@washk12.org. I'll have a lot of time to kill, so please email me anytime!!
• If you finish a book, you MUST email me and tell when what you've read.  I will then send you back a couple questions to answer. When I get back, there won't be time for me to pass off mass quantities of books, so please follow these directions. 
• I have planned everything you are doing for the next couple weeks. It's on you to attend class and finish your work in a timely matter-DO NOT waste your time!!!
• I expect you to be kind, respectful and wonderful to Mrs. Larsen!

Thank you for your support for the iRead Program funding at Chili's. I know many of you visited Chili's last Wednesday and I really appreciate it! I'm excited to see the amount we raised.

It's Red Ribbon Week. Click below to find out which fun things we are doing this week!! Participate in everything that is offered to win prizes and show your commitment to saying NO to drugs:)

RED RIBBON WEEK SCHEDULE

LAST WEEK OF TRIMESTER

October 28-November 1

Monday, October 28

RED RIBBON WEEK: WEAR RED

Advisory: Make a plan to catch-up in classes 

Short PLC Day: school dismissed at 11:45am

Catch up day--take care of your missing work! 

Reading Logs DUE

Tuesday, October 29

RED RIBBON WEEK: CRAZY SOCK DAY

Advisory: Elevate

Truth About Vaping Webquest

DUE: Truth About Vaping Worksheet

Wednesday, October 30

RED RIBBON WEEK: HAT DAY! (what you've been waiting for all year)

Advisory: Elevate

Wacky Drinking Wednesday: why underage drinking is NEVER a good idea!

ALL WORK FOR TRIMESTER DUE TODAY

Thursday, October 31

RED RIBBON WEEK: HALLOWEEN COSTUMES (totally bummed I'm missing this!)

Advisory: Elevate

Reader's Theater:) Happy Halloween!!!

Friday, November 1

RED RIBBON WEEK: TEAM JERSEY

Advisory: Work/Requests for other classes

Freedom Friday: How to really say NO! to drugs

DUE: Your Group Worksheet 

Week #11: October 21-October 25

Well, as you might have heard, I am out for at least 2 weeks after a surgical procedure. It was not planned, so please forgive the abruptness of having your child's teacher temporarily out of commission--life happens, right?

The good news is that Jamie Larsen is the sub and will be there each day with the students. She's subbed before, lives in the area and knows these students. I know they are in good hands with her--she's awesome and is in daily communication with me. I'm still planning curriculum and am available via email anytime. Thank you for your well wishes, patience and understanding!

Important Things While I'm Out

• Yes, reading logs are still due each MONDAY.  I have teacher friends that live near me and will bring me work to correct. I'll still be actively grading:)
• Yes, I'm available by email at rachel.robins@washk12.org. I'll have a lot of time to kill, so please email me anytime!!
• If you finish a book, you MUST email me and tell when what you've read.  I will then send you back a couple questions to answer. When I get back, there won't be time for me to pass off mass quantities of books, so please follow these directions. 
• I have planned everything you are doing for the next couple weeks. It's on you to attend class and finish your work in a timely matter-DO NOT waste your time!!!
• I expect you to be kind, respectful and wonderful to Mrs. Larsen!

Just a reminder...we do have a tutoring program at LRIS and it's free!! If your child needs extra help or extra time to complete assignments, please have them stay!! They can really do anything any day, but specific content teachers are available as listed below. And, hey, we'll feed your kid! Snacks are a thing--please take advantage of this great opportunity!

We are in the final stages of raising money for our iRead Program which is an amazing reading incentive program we've created to motivate and reward our readers!! Please visit Chili's on Wednesday, October 23rd and show them this ad (a copy is coming home too). Spread the word, invite your friends and neighbors to go as well. The key is mentioning that you are there for LRIS's iRead Program. If you are able to eat out or order pick-up that day, we'd be very grateful! Thanks so much!!

Week 11

October 21-October 25

Monday, October 21

Advisory: Second Step SEL Lesson, Quiz & check grades

Google Classroom: Reading Response for Cactus book! DUE TODAY

Free Reading/Do Missing Work for early finishers

Reading Logs DUE

Tuesday, October 22

Advisory: Work on Elevate

Escape to Freedom Article

Quiz on Google Classroom: DUE TODAY

Flyers for Chili's Event go home today

Wednesday, October 23

Advisory: Work on Elevate

Escape to Freedom Article 

Key Ideas Organizer (work with shoulder partner)

*hang on to this to use tomorrow.

ALL DAY: Order at Chili's and mention you're there to support our LRIS iRead Program!!!

Thursday, October 24

Advisory: Work on Elevate

Escape to Freedom Article

Complete assignment in Google Classroom:

Summary or Article (all directions are there)

DUE TODAY 

*you can work on this tomorrow during library if needed 

Friday, October 25

Advisory: Work on missing assignments for other classes OR be requested by another teacher

Library Time!!

*after Mrs. Leany's lesson you may read or finish any assignments from this week

Week #10: October 14-16...and Fall Break:)

Week 10

October 14-October 16

Monday, October 14
Cactus Reading
Week 9 Reading Log DUE

Tuesday, October 15
Finish Cactus!

Wednesday, October 16
Cactus Quiz
Free Reading (when finished)

We've had so much fun reading Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus! Such a fantastic book. It's taught us a lot about friendship, love, kindness, empathy, how to treat someone with disabilities:) Heartwarming and fun! We'll have an open book quiz on Wednesday so students can demonstrate knowledge.

Just to give you a heads-up--I am having to have surgery. It stinks that it's during the school year, but it's an urgent matter that I cannot put off. I'll be out from October 16-October 30 depending on my recovery. Mrs. Larsen will be the substitute and she'll be awesome. She's subbed before for me and will do a wonderful job with the students. I'll still be grading and will be available via email. Don't hesitate to reach out and contact me. I'm preparing lessons to be taught while I'm gone and class will go on as usual.

As I've mentioned many times before (ha, ha) we are short funding for our amazing iRead reading incentive program. Chili's has generously extended the offer to feature us as part of their Give Back program. So...on October 23rd, please eat at Chili's!!! Show this flyer or mention it when you order and they will donate 15% of your ticket to our school. Seems small, but if we have a sizable turnout, it can yield a great donation that will directly benefit your child: so please visit Chili's on the 23rd!! Details below...

Week #9: October 7-October 11

Week 9

October 7-October 11

Monday, October 7
Genre-of-the-Week: Realistic Fiction
New Class Jobs
Cactus Reading
Pass-Pass-Synthesize (Trash Talk Style)
Week 8 Reading Log DUE

Tuesday, October 8
Cactus Reading
3 Important Events OR Scene Sketch

Wednesday, October 9
Library Day!
Free Reading/Pass off books

Thursday, October 10
Cactus Reading
Literary Yoga (yep, you heard that right!)

Friday, October 11
Cactus Reading
Big Events/Little Events OR Retell & Sketch

Password (say this to me for a Robins Reward) = I like to read!!

It's going to be a fun week as we deep dive into our class novel Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. We will be doing a variety of written and active activities; I'm very excited for students to increase their understanding and engagement.

Friendly reminder: Students need to read 30 mins a day, 5 days a week. Reading MUST be recorded on a reading log. It's white with extra copies forever on the counter. Online access here (simply make your own copy and fill out and email it to me each Monday OR print out if you need a copy at home) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BSMQD0Grt2Jvqu7Y54QrjN5yH0YNSdLRc3DOVc3M8g8/edit?usp=sharing
If you miss a reading log OR miss any assignment--I do have make-up work available, right at the front of the classroom. Please own your grade and take advantage of the make-up options.

Thank you for attending SEP Parent-Teacher Conferences. I know not everyone was able to, but I can't even express to you how much I enjoy visiting with you who could attend, and talking about your student. Please know I am available before and after school most days and would love to visit with you or correspond about your student via email! I'm your partner in you child's education. Don't hesitate to ask me anything.

Last week we had a really fun activity to experience completing tasks as if students had a disability. The reasoning behind these Ability Relays was to cultivate empathy for our main character, Aven, and other with disabilities that the students see every day. Students participated in a a three-legged race, moving marshmallows with their toes (harder than it looks!), blindfold walk, and modified arm crawl (moving with only your arms). The highlight was seeing our very own Lexy E. dominate the competition on the army crawl. Lexy is in a wheelchair and is an amazing example of the abilities that you can have when living with a disability. It was an amazing activity!

Pics and videos are located on our classes private IG @therealmrsrobins

Thanks again for the overwhelming support and great feedback! Have a wonderful week:)

Week #8: September 30-October 4

Whew! Another busy week for the books. We've been restructuring our reading support class and new reading advisory to help students who are struggling in various ways (see last week's blog post).  I'm looking forward to giving more students reading support and seeing them grow throughout the year.

We'll be doing a lot within the context of our class novel. It's a beautiful book about friendship, resilience and overcoming difficulties. You can read more about it here: https://www.dustibowling.com/

Parent Teacher Conference is one day only this time around: Thursday, October 3rd from 3-6pm. These are meant to be quick visits. If your child is doing really well in my class you probably don't need to come unless you want to pop in to say hello. If you'd like an extended visit with me, please, please email me and let's set a time and date. There are some of you I need to meet with because your child is struggling, I'll be sending personal invitations to those parents.

Thanks again for the ongoing support.
Please read the email I sent yesterday begging for support for our reading program!
Have a wonderful weekend:)

Week 7

September 30-October 4

Monday, September 30th
Journal Reflection
Cactus Novel Reading
Book Fair Preview
Week 7 Reading Log DUE

Tuesday, October 1st
Mini Lesson: Point-of-View
Novel Enrichment: Blog Posts with Ms. Ehlers

Wednesday, October 2nd
Cactus Quiz
Cactus Novel Reading
Monthly Drawing

Thursday, October 3rd
Novel Enrichment: Relay Race/Reflection
Parent Teacher Conference, 3-6pm

Friday, October 4th
Free Reading/Pass off Books
Cactus Novel Reading

Week #7: September 23-September 27

We had a schedule adjustment last week, so we'll start our novel study this week and I'm so excited! I'm not giving a lot of detail because I'm planning something fun every day as we apply our knowledge of close reading through Notice and Note in the wonderful novel Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus.

Our schedule adjustment was due to adding a second measure of reading ability to better serve students. Reading benchmarks are showing that approximately 70% of my students are reading below grade level. As a teacher, this is very concerning. As a Language Arts department, we are dedicated to helping students improve their reading as reading stretches into everything we do and is the BEST thing we can do to prepare them for the future.

You might be contacted from the school to place your child in reading support; I might want to meet with your student before or after school to work with them on their reading, or they may be placed in a special reading advisory that each LA teacher will be starting at the end of the month. I am passionate about helping students improve their reading, but I need your help!

Learning to speak our language is natural--we pick it up as children with little instruction. The rules of grammar are embedded in us. Guess what? Reading is NOT natural! It's a complex mesh of sounds, letters, blends, etc. that form written text. The cool thing is that reading instruction can be constantly improved upon with practice and instruction and I am your partner in this.

Please know that your child's reading level is NOT a reflection of their intelligence. I've taught my students, and my own kids, that intelligence comes in many forms. If reading is a struggle, no worries, everyone struggles with something and reading ability CAN be improved! As we partner to help your child read better, here are some suggestions of things you can do at home to support what is happening at school:

• Please look at the two reading measures recorded in PowerSchool. I get results by a Lexile number that translates to a grade level. Their grade level (average of the two measures) will be on Powerschool. This is a lot of data entry, but my goal is to get it posted this weekend. Reading levels are shown on their grades, but do not EFFECT their grades. 
• Please encourage your child to read at home, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and RECORD IT ON THEIR WHITE READING LOG (this is a big part of their grade). This can happen in many different ways:
• A child can read out loud to a parent, sibling, grandparent/older neighbor or a pet
• Consider audio books (and have your student follow along)
• Read as a family, read to your child or read out loud with your child reading at the same time
• Remember that reading in school counts as well! I'll let students count in-class novel reading for 3 of their days if needed.
• Do home reading centers where they rotate between reading out loud, reading with audio, reading silently, then talking about it. This can be any possible mix of reading styles--about 10 mins. each. Those students with attention deficits might find this particularly helpful.
• Visit the Washington County Libraries, get a free library card and let you child explore.
• Encourage your child to read real-world text around us out loud: road signs, maps, menus, ads, etc. 
• Encourage them to talk about what they read. Are they understanding what they read?
• Let me know how I can help! I love matching students with books, let me try to guide them to books I think they might be interested in. 

If your child is reading above grade-level, I'll be working with them to offer challenging texts and expand their reading horizons! I'd greatly encourage them to beef-up their reading to qualify for our iRead Club.

Week 7

September 23-September 27

Monday, September 23

Genre-of-the-Week: Realistic Fiction

New Class Jobs

Chapters 1 & 2 Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Week 6 Reading Log DUE

Tuesday, September 24

Bellwork
Class Novel: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Wednesday, September 25

Library Day: Meet Upstairs

Thursday, September 26

Bellwork
Class Novel: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Friday, September 27

Midterm READING CELEBRATION!!
Students must have read the equivalency of 4 books to participate in this fun event. If not, they'll stay in class with me.

Passcode: I AM A READER!!!  
Students: please tell me this for a FREE Robins Reward:)

Week #6: September 16-September 20

It's been another fun week in Language Arts as we wrapped up our Notice and Notice Unit. If students didn't pass the quiz today, no worries, I'll pull them for reteaching next Wednesday.

Remember to keep on reading! This makes up the bulk of a Language Arts grade. Be sure to be honest, record your reading and hand it in each Monday. I do have an extra credit packet available for those who have a 0 in grade book for not handing in a reading log.

I am so excited to do our first class novel: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. This heartwarming book is a Utah Beehive Nominee and totally enjoyable. We'll be doing a lot of activities in context of the novel. When the book is completed, students will be able to record it on their Bingo card.

I appreciate these fun, bright students and really appreciate being their teacher!
Thanks for the ongoing support.

Week 6

September 16-September 20

Monday, September 16

Genre-of-the-Week: Realistic Fiction

New Class Jobs

Elevate Assessment

Free Reading/Book Pass-off
Week 5 Reading Log DUE

Tuesday, September 17

Novel Study: 

Introduction to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Wednesday, September 18

Counseling Day: Meet in classroom first

Thursday, September 19

Bellwork
Class Novel: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Friday, September 20

Bellwork
Class Novel: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Code Phrase: Reading Helps My Brain Grow!!!

We are doing teams in my LA classes. Students are placed on teams for the trimester. They work together and earn points. The team with the highest average points per student gets a party at the end of the trimester:) They made team flags this week. Here are some that had me laughing. Team flags always reflect what's trending...if you don't know what a Vsco girl is--ask your student, lol!

Week #5: September 9-September 13

It's been a great week in 7th grade:) We finished up Notice and Note and will be having a quiz on it next week, so remind students to practice finding N & N in their own reading.

We had a fantastic assembly with Stand4Kind featuring Stuart Edge and the band Foreign Figures. It was a lot of fun! Check out pictures of some of our own taking center stage.

Remember to keep reading!! The only way to increase your ability is to practice, practice, practice. Students should be bringing home a reading log and reading at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Reading Logs are due each Monday and completion of the log goes on their grade.

I appreciate the ongoing support. Please email me with questions & have a wonderful weekend!

Week 5 Schedule

Monday, September 9-Friday, September 13

Monday, September 9
Short PLC Day!
School Dismissed at 11:45am
Catch-up day/Free Reading
Week 4 Reading Log Due

Tuesday, September 10
Mrs. Robins in a reading training
Teams Announced
Make Team Flags

Wednesday, September 11
Library Day!
Free Reading/Book Check

Thursday, September 12
Class Novel
Review for Notice and Note Quiz

Friday, September 13
Notice and Note Quiz
Free Reading/Book Check

Code Phrase (for a Robins Reward): Reading takes me places!

Week #4: September 2-September 6

Another other awesome week with these wonderful students! We are learning how to close read through the lens of Notice and Note. It's a lot of fun to practice--ask your student for details! 

So, we are the Gold Team. Each student received a gold LRIS shirt. However, we did run out of sizes. I have let the office know and they'll be putting in another order soon. If your student wants a different size of shirt, have them bring back their original shirt and I'll swap it. Just know there might be a wait while the shirts print.

Extra Credit: Each day we practice Notice and Note your students are receiving a worksheet where they can find an example of the signpost in their own novel. If they find one and tell me why on the paper, they'll get extra credit. Very few students have taken this opportunity--I'd encourage them to so they can increase their grade! 

So...as stated below, if your child isn't handing in reading logs (check PowerSchool)...your child and I will be calling you to see why not and ask for your support:)

• Reading Logs (white paper) Students should be reading at home (time reading in school counts too) 30 mins. a day, 5 days a week. This is CRITICAL to improving reading and will be the only "homework" they'll have from me. Please remind them to hand it in. If a student goes 2 weeks without handing in a reading log, I'll call home and speak to a parent/guardian and see what's going on. Reading Logs are due each MONDAY, unless there is a holiday:) 
• iRead Program Sponsors: Our reading program is amazing (see link on right hand side of the blog) and provides rewards for reading throughout the school year. However, it's 100% community funded and we need your help. If you'd like to donate as an individual, with either cash or candy, we'd appreciate it. Even better, if you have (or work for ) a business, a donation buys you sponsorship on our iRead Club t-shirts to promote your business. Please help us out so your child can reap the rewards of reading. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YsadT10z6S-TUJf63RFpxYep8WQw2bQina4GKA9i42k/edit

Week 4

September 2-September 6

Monday, September 2nd

Labor Day: No School

Tuesday, September 3rd 
New Class Jobs Available
Words of the Wiser: Escape Room
Tough Questions: Escape Room
*phone calls home if you didn't turn in a reading log
Week #3 Reading Log DUE

Wednesday, September 4th 

Free Reading/Book Check-off
Notice & Note Contrast and Contradictions
(notes/videos/model in class novel)

Thursday, September 5th

All Summer in a Day
Notice and Note Identification Practice

Friday, September 6th

Free Reading/Book Check-Off
Make Team Flags/Receive Team Folders

CODE PHRASE: Tell me an example of a Notice and Note you saw in your reading for 2 Robins Rewards!!!

The Many Benefits of Reading

Cognitive Improves Memory: Reading activates the parts of your brain that create new synapses for memory. Lengthens Life: One study shows that those who read as little as 30 minutes a day live on average 2 years longer than non-readers. Makes You Smarter: Reading has been shown to enhance vocabulary, improve articulation, and increase creativity.

Physical Relieves Stress & Lowers Blood Pressure: Just 6 minutes of reading has been shown to lower heart rate and muscle tension. Improves Sleep: Incorporating a reading routine into your bedtime ritual tells your body it's time to wind down and get some sleep.

Emotional Makes You More Empathetic:Reading literary fiction, in particular, has been shown to improve one's understanding of others' beliefs and views.

Do something for your health and happiness.