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

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