It's Online Schooling Time!!

Well, it's been a strange couple weeks! That being said, even though I missing seeing you each day,  I am ready to teach online and help you build your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

This is the one-stop shop for all the links you need to you student's learning for Language Arts. I've had so many questions that would be solved by reading what I have prepared for you--please take a look. Still happy to answer questions, but this will save us all some time!

Class YouTube (this has weekly instructional videos, an audio book and weekly drawing announcements. You should go there each Monday BEFORE you do anything for my class AND LISTEN TO ALL OF THE VIDEO.

Everything is on Google Classroom in the "Online Learning" section. It's also in Schoology course. I'm so frustrated with the amount of questions because kids aren't clicking into the actual assignment grid. Many are just trying to take shortcuts and then are confused as to what to do.

READ THIS FIRST: ONLINE LEARNING EXPLANATION - this explains the weekly set-up and how kids are graded and how to contact me.

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT GRID LINKS
*these are on your child's Google Classroom, links below are for parents as needed.I'll update weekly. If you want to be on your child's Google Classroom, shoot me an email, I'll add you.

Work for April 27-May 1 Week 37 Online Learning

Work for April 20-April 21 Week 36 Online Learning 

Work for April 13-April 17 Week 35 Online Learning

Work for April 6-April 10 Week 34 Online Learning

Work for March 30-April 3 Week 33 Online Learning

Work for March 25-27: Week 32 Online Learning 

There will always be 2 required assignments each week and extra credit opportunities. Details are on the Online Learning Grid. All links are on the grid. You do not have to ask for a flipgrid code or anything, it's all there. Please, please, please read directions before emailing me.

Contact Me via email anytime, Google Chat (text or video) 10-12pm or 1-3pm . Optional whole class GoogleMeets held each Wednesday at 10am and 1pm (invite links will be on classroom).

Follow Me on Instagram @therealmrsrobins This is not instructional, purely fun and motivational.

Many thanks!
I miss my students a lot, but we'll get through this together!

Week 30: 'Twas the Week Before Spring Break...

We had a fun week practicing listening comprehension! Give your child a verbal list of chores and see how they do:) I am seeing so much growth in these students, I'm really proud of them and I'm pleased with how we are preparing for the RISE in more purposeful and engaging ways.

I'm excited for next week as we practice informational text. We'll not only be reading, but synthesizing information and students will create a short PSA--which I'm looking forward to. This will allow them to demonstrate how well they understood what they read. Speaking of reading...reading logs are due each Monday. Please encourage students to get it filled out correctly and handed in. Daily practice can do some amazing things to your child's ability.

As always, I appreciate the ongoing support and invite you to email or call me at 652-4742 with any questions or concerns.

Week 30 Schedule

Monday, March 9th
"Deadly Hits" article
Jigsaw Activity
Introduce PSA Activity
Reading Logs Due!!!

Tuesday, March 10th
Preventing Concussion PSA (Flipgrid)

Wednesday, March 11th
PSA Presentations
Notes on Information Reading Comprehension

Thursday, March 12th
Informational Reading Benchmark

Friday, March 13th
"The Truth About Binge Watching" article
Activity & Quiz
Robins Reward Drawing

March 16-March 20: Enjoy!!

Week 29: Listening Comprehension Practice ...Do You Hear What I Hear?

Yes! Listening comprehension--it's a thing! It's the ability to listen and understand the spoken word. Not only is this a solid life skill, it will appear on the end-of-level assessment.

This week we will take the benchmark, get meaningful practice, add in some fun and top it off with poetry:) What's not to love about that? We are also continuing to listen to our class novel, Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus, which is an engaging read and help students hone their listening skills!

Please remember to hand in your reading logs. Reading should be happening 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week and recorded. If your child is struggling to find a book, please let me help! I love matching students to good reads.

*Note I moved the monthly drawing to give students more time to earn more Robins Rewards.
Thanks for the ongoing support:)

Week 29

Listening Comprehension

Monday, March 2nd

PLC Short Day 

School dismissed at 12:45pm

Cactus II Class Read-Aloud 
Notes on Listening Comprehension
Listening Comprehension Game

Tuesday, March 3rd

Listening Comprehension Benchmark

Free Reading

Wednesday, March 4th

Library Day

Pass off books to me!!

Thursday, March 5th

Cactus II Class Read-Aloud

Correct Listening Comprehension Benchmark
Podcast: Origins of Bryce Canyon 

Listening Comprehension Questions

Friday, March 6th
Cactus II Class Read-Aloud

Reader's Theater: "The Night of Terror"

Analysis questions

Partner-Pair-Share

Week 28: Editing Practice

Hello everyone! Here is the schedule for this week. I'm working on finishing essay grading and am very pleased at how well students are doing overall!! If students did not pass (14/20), they'll be pulled into a reteach on Wednesday Advisory where they can do some practice, revision and raise their grades.

Remember to keep on reading and handing in Reading Logs. Be sure to pass completed books off--I'm looking forward to more students qualifying for the iRead Club!

All the best, 

Mrs. Robins

Students: please tell me you read the blog for a Robins Reward.

Weekly Schedule

Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28

Monday, February 24th
Reading Party!! Qualifiers must have read 4 books labeled 2.5 & signed off on bingo card
Those who don't qualify will be able to get some extra reading time in.

Tuesday, February 25th
Cactus II: Class Read Aloud Novel
RISE Editing Benchmark
Model * Students Take 10 question BM * Score and Review

Wednesday, February 26th
Cactus II: Class Read Aloud Novel
Notes on Commas
Commas Spoons Game

Thursday, February 27th
Cactus II: Class Read Aloud Novel
Poetry Analysis & practice

Friday, February 28th
Cactus II: Class Read Aloud Novel
Monthly Robins Reward Drawing
Editing Centers!

Week 27: Explanatory Essay: It's a Wrap!

We have finished Trimester 2! On to Trimester 3 where our focus will be reading strategies, grammar practice, reading comprehension (to prep for RISE), argumentative essay and a final class novel. This is my favorite trimester and I'm so excited to see students grow.

I was pretty frustrated with grades this time. Some students consistently worked hard, had a good attitude, were respectful, handed in reading logs, classwork and did well. You should be applauded: I am so proud of you and grateful to have you as students. Unfortunately, many others students do not consistently attend class, don't hand in reading logs, are off-task and ended up with very poor grades. I've gave students my spill. Intermediate school is a great bridge to middle school, but middle school is when it gets real. Classes are more difficult, grades become very important (because they will determine your ability to graduate high school) and behavior becomes a big deal, because higher grades won't tolerate silly or rude behavior in class.

I expect awesome things from each of you. Just to reiterate: here are the top 5 things to remember about Language Arts to ensure your success.

1. Reading Logs: You must be reading and recording it on your reading log for 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day. Reading Logs are ALWAYS due for FULL POINTS on Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday). For each day it's late, you do lose a point a day. If you have two weeks of missing reading logs, you'll start calling home and talking to a parent during class.
2. Discipline:  I'm shifting our schools "4 R's" program to what Mr. James and Mrs. Brereton are doing. You get one warning for off-task behavior (you all know what that looks like by now), then you'll be sent in the hall to do a "think sheet" that you'll need to take home and have signed. If you don't bring it back, you'll referred to office. We are all frustrated at the behavior of this group (overall) of 7th graders. It's unlike anything we've ever seen before.
3. Late Work: You all signed the late work policy on the disclosure in August. I'll accept late work, up to two weeks late, for reduced points--except reading logs. I will no longer take reading logs if it's not the week it's due. Get your work handed in on time, please!!! Extra credit will no longer be available because too many students are using it as a crutch instead of actually doing class work.
4. Rewards: I will be giving even more for Robins Rewards, Touch Gold Cards, candy, etc. for good behavior, on time reading logs and excellent student achievement. It's worth trying to do your best in my class.
5. Attendance: If you miss a day, you need to talk to me the next morning. Stakes are high: testing is coming. I will not magically give you missed work. You need to make an effort and I'm happy to help you. Generally, I'm available before and after school. Likewise, you can request to come in for work during advisory OR stay after school for our FREE tutoring program T-Th from 2-3pm...and you get a free snack.

Weekly Schedule

Welcome Trimester 3!!!

Tuesday, February 18th
Cactus II Read Aloud
Body Paragraphs
Modeling-Sample Essay
Write your own Body Paragraphs
**You might need to finish at home, or advisory, 
OR library time tomorrow.
Must be completed by Thursday before class for points
Week 26 Reading Log DUE
Take-Home Trimester Reflection

Wednesday, February 19th
Library Day
Pass off books

Thursday, February 20th
Pass-off BODY PARAGRAPHS
Cactus II Read Aloud
Conclusion: Modeling-Sample Essay
Write Your Conclusion
Peer Edit Checklist

Friday, February 21st
Essay in Utah Compose
Make Changes & Resubmit Essay
Print Essay--Hand in to Mrs. Robins

• Print Essay
• Complete Identification Form
• Staple with Blue Rubric on Top
• Utah Compose Score Written on Blue Rubric

Mrs. Robins's Sample Essay

Missed a day? No worries--reference my sample essay below:

MRS ROBINS'S SAMPLE ESSAY

Week 26: Understanding Explanatory Essays

Many thanks to those who attend Parent Teacher Conference or reached out via email. I am always happy to talk about your student and make a plan for their success. Thank you for the continued support!

Deadline for all missing/make-up work for 2nd trimester is this Wednesday, February 12th. I'll be leaving town early Thursday morning and my final grades will be submitted. I've been offering make-up work and asking you to request to come in for advisory since early January. Please get any work in.

Keep on reading, 5 days a week, 30 minutes a day. Unless we have Monday off, reading logs are always due on MONDAY for full credit. If we don't have school on a Monday, they are due on Tuesday, or the next day school is in session. 

Students have selected which articles to write about; I'm excited to see their skill set grow! Keep up the good work and please contact me with questions.

Many thanks, 
Mrs. Robins

Week 26

February 10-February 14

Monday, February 10th
Read Aloud Cactus II
Write Your Thesis (using the text organizer from Friday)
Format Google Doc for Essay Writing
Week #25 Reading Log DUE!

Tuesday, February 11th
Read Aloud Cactus II
Introduction Notes
Introduction Modeling
Write Your Essay Introduction

Wednesday, February 12th
Read Aloud Cactus II
Citation & Elaboration Notes
Citation Practice
All Late/Missing Work for Trimester DUE!!

Thursday, February 13th
Mrs. Robins Out
Identify Explanatory Essay Parts
Explanatory Essay Centers
*focused practice on formatting, citation and elaboration

Friday, February 14th
Mrs. Robins Out
Text Evidence Centers
*focused on correct citations, text evidence, thesis statements
End of 2nd TRIMESTER

When school begins on Tuesday, February 18th, it will be 3rd Trimester. We will finish our essays this week:)

Students: What do you LOVE about Language Arts?? Tell me for a ROBINS REWARD!!

Week 25: Explanatory Essay Begins:)

It's been a fun week as we wrap up Parts of Speech/Capitalization and learn sentence types, all to move into essay writing:)

As I've told students, these are the building blocks to language. No matter what your career is, you should be able to articulate your thoughts in a way you can communicate clearly. 7th grade is truly the foundation for language arts through high school and into the real world. 

I'd love to see you at Parent/Teacher Conference on 

Thursday, February 6th from 3:00-6:30pm! 

Swing by and say hello. I'd love to discuss your child's reading level, grade/behavior and help make a plan for success throughout the remainder of the school year. 

At this point, attendance is critical. There is simply not enough time for me to reteach daily essay instruction to students who miss class. Please be here unless there is an illness or emergency. In that case, make arrangements to come before or after school for individual help.

Keep up the good reading. Students are starting to qualify for the iRead Club as they complete their bingo cards. You have until May to qualify, so keep reading!!! Remember you'll receive a t-shirt, candy bar and ticket into THE party of the year before school is out. Reading logs are due every Monday. As started prior, late logs receive a point deduction per day after Monday. You've know about this since August, please be on time.

Follow me at our private class IG @therealmrsrobins. I'm posting pictures, videos, etc. there for everyone to remember and refer to.

I so appreciate the students who are respectful and try hard. Thank you!!

...and practice we will!!

Monday, February 3rd
Short PLC Day
Week #24 Reading Log DUE!
Sentence Identification Test

Tuesday, February 4th
Class Novel Read Aloud Cactus II
Intro to Explanatory Essay: Cornell Notes
Process & Rubric Explained
Choose Articles

Wednesday, February 5th
Library Day 
Pass off Books

Thursday, February 6th
Class Novel Read Aloud Cactus II
Transition Notes and Activity
Parent Conference (3-6:30)

Friday, February 7th
Class Novel Read Aloud Cactus II
Read Article(s)
Complete a Essay Map
*to begin to organize information in articles

Students: Tell me you read this week's post for a Robins Reward!!

Sentences Gestures

*Videos are located on IG @therealmrsrobins. I cannot get them to post on the blog. If you forget, here are the words.

You will need to pass these off to me on Monday.

Simple Sentence: A simple sentence is one complete thought.

Compound Sentence: A compound sentence takes two independent clauses and joins them together with a comma and a FANBOYS conjunction OR a semi-colon.

Complex Sentence: A complex sentence takes one independent clause, one dependent clause and joins them together with a subordinating conjunction.

Week 24: CFA & Sentence Fun!

Another great week for the books! We'll complete the grammar unit this week with a CFA (common formative assessment) that all 7th graders take and use student's newly acquired grammar knowledge to tackle commas and sentence types. This will all lead into essay writing. These are good skills to have that should help students out for many years to come. 7th grade is foundational and I'm encouraging students to really try to learn something new and hang on to the notes in their Reader's Notebooks to guide them through middle school.

As always, students need to read at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week and record it on their reading log. This will go a long way to building solid reading skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives!

Here is what is on the schedule for this week. As always, please contact me with questions. For your calendars, Spring SEP's will be held February 6th, 3-6pm. I'd love to meet with any of you about your awesome student! Thank you for the ongoing support.

Reminder of SCHOOL POLICY on earbuds, air pods, cellphones and hats...

Just a reminder because lately this has all been a problem across the school. 

Here is our school policy:

1.  Phones/headphones (including earbuds and air pods) are to be kept in backpacks in classrooms unless teacher gives permission.

2.  No headphones or phones in the hallway.

3.  Students can use phones and headphones at lunch (after done eating and cleaned up)

4.  Hats, beanies, hoodies hoods, etc. are not to be worn on the head at school.

As a teacher, I have been specifically instructed to ask students for their cell phones if they are NOT in backpacks. I take the phone (same goes for all headphone devices) to the office where the student will retrieve it at the end of the day. 

If you have your phone taken twice, a parent will be called to pick it up. 

Schools are for learning. This is good prep for the real world where you cannot be on phones when you are working. The distraction effect is real and causing student's academic ability and attention span to really suffer. Please, please, please help us.

Week 24

January 27-January 31

Monday, January 27

Week 23 Reading Log DUE

Class Jobs

Escape Room: Parts of Speech Review

Tuesday, January 28

CFA #3: Parts of Speech

Must pass at 80%, if not I'll hold a reteach and 

you can try again:)

Free Reading

Wednesday, January 29

Cactus II: Class Read Aloud

Simple & Compound Sentences

Notes and Practice

Thursday, January 30

Cactus II: Class Read Aloud

Complex Sentences

Notes and Practice

Friday, January 31

Cactus II: Class Read Aloud

Sentence Review and Quiz

STUDENTS: TELL ME ONE THING YOU'VE LEARNED FROM THE FOLLOWING INFOGRAPHIC FOR A ROBINS REWARD:)

Week 23: Wrapping up Parts of Speech

It's been another fun week of learning as we've covered parts of speech and have gone a little deeper than what we've done before. Grammar is already embedded in each student as they are fluent in English, but to understand the rules is definitely a higher concept idea and I've been greatly encouraged to see so many light bulbs go off as students are understanding things. We'll be applying this knowledge for our upcoming essay unit.

Remember to read at home, at least 30 minutes a day. Reading practice = improved reading skills:) Be sure to write it down on your reading log and hand the log in ON TIME for full credit.

Thanks so much for the ongoing support! Have a wonderful week.

Week 23:

January 20-January 24

Monday, January 20th
No School: Martin Luther King Day

Tuesday, January 21st
Class Jobs
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Capitalization Notes and Practice
READING LOG DUE TODAY!!!

Wednesday, January 22nd
Library Day

Thursday, January 23rd
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Conjunctions Notes and Practice

Friday, January 24th
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Parts of Speech Quiz
Quiz-Quiz-Trade
Sentence Games

*STUDENTS: Tell me you read the blog for a Robins Reward.

Week 22: Parts of Speech

Stop! It's Grammar Time all January long:) We'll be covering parts of speech, prepositions, capitalization, conjunctions, as well as simple, compound and complex sentences. This is all in preparation for essay writing. It's essential that students learn and understand these foundational skills and I'm doing all I can to make it fun:)

Please read...30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week is the goal. Reading = increased reading ability.

Grammar instruction is very hands-on each day. Students will receive points for being in attendance each day, filling out notes and participating in the learning activity. Points may be deducted for disruptive behavior that stops the learning process. There will be a CFA (common formative assessment) as well as occasional quizzes along the way. If students miss a day, they must come in before class the next day OR during advisory (please ask me to request you) to get the notes and practice. Please take charge of your learning and don't get behind.

We are listening to Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus as our class read aloud novel. It's a fantastic sequel to the book we studied earlier this year. If students want to count it as a novel read, they need to miss no more than 3 days in the month of January. If they do miss more than 3 days, they cannot count the book unless they make up the reading they've missed.

I do love this group of students and am very thankful to be their teacher. As always, I'm available and willing to help you succeed! Please let me know how I can help.

Week 22:

January 6-January 10

Monday, January 13th
7th grade LA Department Reading Party
for students who read 4 books before midterm
READING LOG DUE TODAY!!!

Tuesday, January 14th
Class Jobs
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Pronouns and Adjectives
Notes and Practice

Wednesday, January 15th
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Verbs and Adverbs
Notes and Practice

Thursday, January 16th
Counseling Lesson for all students

Friday, January 17th
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Interjections, Articles & Possessive Nouns
Notes and Practice

Week 21: Welcome 2020!!

Hello!

I hope you've all had a fantastic Christmas break with family/friends fun, good food and sleeping in:) Welcome to the second half of 7th grade. This is when we apply what we've learned and take things to an entirely new level!

Thank you for the thoughtful Christmas gifts, messages and cards. I was really moved by your kindness; it means so much! Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all the best to your families.

Happy reminder to start reading again:) You need to be reading at least a half hour, 5 days a week. The way to be a better reading, ironically, is to READ MORE! You've got this!

News Flash: Midterm has passed. According to the disclosure, you may not make up items prior to midterm since midterm has passed. However, if you have extenuating circumstances (illness, family situations, etc.) I'll make an exception. You need to talk to me about this ASAP. I'm available before and after school. Do not come and talk to me during advisory unless you've asked me to request you. I'm here to help you be successful: you've got this!!

Week 21:

January 6-January 10

Monday, January 6th
Class Jobs
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Goal Setting I
New Reading Log: Due Monday, January 13th

Tuesday, January 7th
Goal Setting II
Class Read Aloud: Insignificant Events II
Goal Setting Sheets DUE 

Wednesday, January 8th
Library Day
Free Reading/Pass off Books
*You'll need to have 4 squares marked as 2.0 to get into
next week's Reading Celebration

Thursday, January 9th
Grammar Boot Camp: Nouns/Pronouns
Notes
Find in My Limb Difference Doesn't Define Me

Friday, January 10th 
Grammar Boot Camp: Adjectives/Verbs
Notes
Find in My Limb Difference Doesn't Define Me