Week 2: August 18-22

This is my third year teaching, and despite the LONG week, it's been my favorite first week yet!  The students have been amazing--so hard working, fun and come every day with great attitudes. I've left every day with a smile on my face and I am confident that it will be a fantastic school year.

Students learned about Multiple Intelligence today.  It's a theory that everyone is smart, just in different ways. Please ask your students to talk about their individual intelligence.

A few important things to remember:

1. Students need to read at home 30 mins. a day, 5 days a week.  I am tracking their reading at school, rather than home reading logs, but please help remind them to read.  They have a white tracking sheet where they will record every book they began reading.  The tracking sheet is in their binder.
2. Back-to-School Night is August 20th at 6:30pm. I sent home a paper that said 6pm earlier, but 6:30pm is the correct time. I'd love to meet you!  Please come if you are able to.
3. Students should have brought home a paper to subscribe to text blasts.  This is a great way for me to get information to you, please subscribe if you can.  There is a link on my blog as well.
4. Benchmark Testing will be August 26-27th.  Please make sure your student is in school these days.
5. Friday, August 22nd will be the first week that Nation-in-the-News is assigned.  Students will present once a trimester.  They will bring home a peach paper with directions on it.  I am asking students to read (and print-out/cut-out) a news story, summarize it (on the peach paper) and present to the class.  This will help their reading, research and speaking skills.  See below for who will present.

Here is the schedule for this week.  As always, please email me at rachel.robins@washk12.org or call 435-652-4742 if you have any questions or concerns.

Nation-in-the-News

to present Friday, August 22nd

2nd Period: Aspen Allred, Annie Baker, Ryan Bethers, Emily Blair

3rd Period: Keegan Atkinson, Araceli Cazares, Sofia Cuara

4th Period: Josey Adams, Nancy Aguilar, Keegan Avery

5th: Dax Wood, Elizabeth Veltcamp, Franklin Urias

6th: Sam Zohner, Max Tholen, Torrance Wall

Monday, August 18

*10 minutes independent reading/reading conferences

*Fill out Random Student Spotlight Form

*Genre-of-the-Week: Fantasy

*Nation-in-the-News: modeling/how to do it
*Music Mix-Pair-Share

Tuesday, August 19

*10 minutes independent reading/reading conferences
*Organize Writer's Notebooks

Wednesday, August 20

*10 minutes independent reading/reading conferences
*Fun with Language: Emoji Sentence Fun
*Music Mix-Pair-Share

Thursday, August 21

*10 minutes independent reading/reading conferences
*Scope Magazine Activity
*Sentence Activity
*Class-building games

2nd Period Honors
* Newspaper Organization (sections/groups)

Friday, August 22

*10 minutes independent reading/reading conferences
*Nation-in-the-News Presentations
*Introduce "Great to be 13"/Basic Skills Unit
*Student Survey

Welcome to School: Week 1, August 11-August 15

I've got a fun week planned as we begin the 2014-2015 school year.  I am so excited to meet my students and look forward to great things from them all year.

Every Friday I will update my blog with important information about the upcoming week. I encourage students and parents/guardians to get in the habit of checking each week to keep updated.  Always feel free to email me (anytime) with questions/concerns at rachel.robins@washk12.org or call during school hours at 435-652-4742.  I'm really good about returning emails/phone calls and want to keep in touch with you.

Class and school disclosures are coming home this week and need to be returned by Wednesday, August 13.  The class that has the highest percentage of returned disclosures by Wednesday will earn doughnuts on Thursday!  The schedule this week is basic, we will also be playing class building games and learning several specific procedures each day.  This week, both Honors and regular classes are combined.  I'll have seperate schedules in the future.

Expect a year of fun and learning.  I love what I do and I'm really looking forward to working with students this year.

Enjoy your weekend,
Mrs. Robins

Monday, August 11

*Seating/Roll

*Faction Activity

*Meet Mrs. Robins

*Expectations

*Procedures

*Disclosures to be sent home

Tuesday, August 12

 *Hand-out Reading/Writing

*Procedures

*iRead program

*Book Frenzy

*Student Survey

Wednesday, August 13

 *Disclosures Due (the first class to get them all in earns a doughnut party!)

*Procedures

*Blog

*Label Notebooks

Thursday, August 14

*Multiple Intelligence Quiz & Activity

*Procedures

*Honors Newspaper Introduction

Friday, August 15

 *Random Student

*Nation in the News

*Penny Group Activity

Assembly Schedule

Welcome New 7th Graders!

Yes, it's still summer and I'm posting because I am seriously excited to meet you and begin the school year!

I really love teaching and I'm passionate about helping every student improve, no matter what your level is. I'm also all about making Language Arts fun and useful.  Please make sure you pick up a half-sheet from my classroom during the Open House and watch for disclosures & instructions on subscribing to my text blasts to be posted on my blog and be sent home.  As a Language Arts department, we are introducing a reading program called iRead that will help you grow leaps and bounds as a reader.  We'll do a lot of fun writing throughout the year as well.  Enjoy the last couple weeks of summer and I'll look forward to meeting you in person on August 11th!
P.S. Watch for the cool novel-themed seating I'll have in my classroom.  I'll give you a hint...it involves factions.

The Top 10 Things Last Year's 7th Graders Want You to Know...

1. Mrs. Robins is the best and class is fun (seriously, that was the biggest response)
2. Always be on-time with your work
3. Don't slack
4. Don't talk when Mrs. Robins is talking (true)
5. You will have lots of fun
6. Don't miss school!
7. Be prepared
8. Be honest
9. Pay attention
10. Enjoy the candy

 Some great quotes from last year's 7th graders' advice to YOU:

"That 7th grade isn't as hard as it looks. There are many great rewards and in the end it is all worth it. Stay strong because before you know it the year is gone and you are on your way to middle school. Remember the fun memories!!" 

"Turning your work in on time and staying focused is best! it really sucks to get behind and then have to go back and turn in missing work when you have a lot."

"Walk in with a good attitude."

"To never give up, be ready for what's coming your and to fulfill their dreams."

 "I would tell them to be good Mrs. Robins isn't mean, she will explain everything through and if you ever have any questions just raise your hand, don't be scared at all she will explain everything through, like always."

"Get a book and start reading it so when the book report comes you will already have your book read."

"Do your work and you wont have any problems and enjoy your class or it will be harder to learn."

"YOU are in good hands of learning!"

"To study hard and get good grades because in the future you will regret that you didn't."

"Be on time don't miss school. Put a smile on your face be happy."

"Pay attention A LOT!!! It will help I don't want them to always be lost in other classes like me."

"Just believe in yourself and remember you can do anything you put your mind to even if it requires a little help. No matter what anyone says just be true to yourself and do not change for anybody. And stand up for what you believe in even if it means standing alone because you can make a difference and you can have a voice. Every single one of you are amazing and you all can make a mark on the world. It doesn't matter if it takes a day, a week, or five years. You can do it. And please do not feel like a waste of space or that you are not good enough. The world is a puzzle and we are the puzzle pieces. Without each of you we are incomplete. We are all different and the world needs that variation even if some do not except it. I promise you, you are worth it in every way possible, and if you have a problem or something is going on and you are afraid just speak out. We will hear you and we will be there for you. And we will hear you. Always remember that you are not alone, someone will understand."

Week 40 Update...Last One!

Wow!  It's been a fantastic year.  The end of the school year is bittersweet for me as I have totally enjoyed this group of students but I am excited to see them move on to middle school and continue to learn and grow.  What I will remember about this class is their kindness.  I have seen so many students reach out to others, being accepting and be kind.  It's made for wonderful year.  I also will remember how hard the students tried--whether it was book reports or the SAGE test--this group of students never gave up and always tried their best.  Thank you for the outpouring of support from parents & guardians and for the joy I received everyday from my 130 amazing students.  Best of luck at middle school and enjoy your summer!

Last Week Schedule

Monday, May 19

End of the Year Fiesta (students can bring treats to share)
End of the Year Drawing
Finish all Random Student Spotlights

Tuesday, May 20
Outdoor Writing Activity
7th grade Party 5-7pm at Lava Ridge 

Wednesday, May 21
Classroom Cleanup & Candy Rewards

Thursday, May 22
Sign Yearbooks (each student will receive a copy of their mustache picture with a note from me on the back)

Speaking of summer, keep reading!  Check out this Summer Young Adult Book reading chart:)

Week 39 Update & Schedule

A huge, heartfelt thanks for all the cute gifts and thoughtful cards from parents and students.  I was touched by your kindness and I am so appreciative!  Thank you for making me feel so valued as a teacher! :)

Week 39?  I can hardly believe it!  As I look back over the school year, I am amazed at how students have grown both physically and mentally and I am so very proud of them.  I just love this group of students and I will miss them.  I'm excited as we wind down our school year and prepare for the summer.  I'm committed to finishing strong and I encourage all students to do all they can to pull up their grades.

Instead of Novel Projects as we finish our novels this week, we will be engaging in class debates.  Using evidence from the book, students will argue which character is the best based on certain criteria.  This is a fun way to demonstrate knowledge and analysis of literature and I think the students will have a blast.  Please make sure your student attends school to be able to complete all the coursework.

As far as Extra Credit, here are the options--all late work/extra credit is due Friday, May 16th.

FOR EFFORT

• Reading Comprehension Exercises (in the basket in my room). 3 completed exercises = 1 missed planner check (10 points).  You can do as many of these as you want.

FOR ACADEMIC

• Re-do/Revise any Academic Assignment from this trimester
• Do a Writing Contest (20 points).  They are available in my room in the basket

If your student is behind or needs extra time to catch-up on work, I am here before school and I'm usually here until 3pm.  I'm happy to help in any way needed.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns at rachel.robins@washk12.org or 435-652-4742.  Thanks!

Utah-in-the-News
These students were absent or in the school play on Friday, so they will need to present Utah-in-the-News on Monday, May 12th.  Thank you!

Tailor, Lucy, Mo, Kobe, Berkley and Skylar

Week 39

May 16-May 20

Monday, May 16th
Poetry Bellwork
1st Period: FINAL Literature Circle
Finish Esperanza Rising/Introduce Class Debates

Learning Objective: I can learn and practice writing a specific type of poetry. I will understand how to participate in a class debate, defend my character and analyze text.

Tuesday, May 17th

Poetry Bellwork
Novel Tests
Learning Objective:  I can learn and practice writing a specific type of poetry.  I can demonstrate my knowledge of the novel I have read through a skills-based novel assessment.

Wednesday, May 18th

Poetry Bellwork
Prepare for Class Debate
Learning Objective:  I can learn and practice writing a specific type of poetry.  I can work with a group, prepare an argument for a literary character and acknowledge the other side of the argument.

Thursday, May 19th

Poetry Bellwork
Class Debates

Learning Objective:  I can learn and practice writing a specific type of poetry.  I can work with a group, prepare an argument for a literary character, acknowledge the other side of the argument and engage in a debate with other members of the class.  

Friday, May 20th
Enrichment for Student who have completed 100% of their coursework
Homework Hall for students who are missing work
Learning Objective:  Students who have worked hard will celebrate learning while struggling students have one last chance to catch up.

Extra Credit Opportunties

I want everyone to do their best and I realize there are time where students fall behind, so here are some Extra Credit opportunities.  All work is due to me on Friday, May 16th.


FOR EFFORT:

• Reading Comprehension Exercises (in the basket in my room). 3 completed exercises = 1 missed planner check (10 points).  You can do as many of these as you want.

FOR ACADEMIC: 

• Re-do/Revise any Academic Assignment from this trimester
• Do a Writing Contest (20 points).  They are available in my room in the basket.

Do your best and finish strong! 

Week 38 Update and Schedule

I cannot believe that school is almost over!  We are finishing strong here and I'm proud of the hard work and attendance of students.   We have been enjoying novels and doing Close Reading and Literature Circles.  I am also trying to have students write more in preparation for 8th grade.  Please, please make sure your student is in class every day. We are still doing daily assignments and I've giving them the tools for success for next year.

Book Reports are due Wednesday, May 7th.  Students are responsible to select a book report type and finish their book on their own time.  I'll be sending emails and texts to help everyone remember to be on time with their work.

The 7th grade Party (which is super-fun) will be on May 20th.  However, students with an "I" or "U" will be unbelievable to attend so it's vitally important that students and parents are monitoring grades and keeping their grades up.  Let's finish strong!

If your student is behind or needs extra time to catch-up on work, I am here before school and I'm usually here until 3pm.  I'm happy to help in any way needed.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns at rachel.robins@washk12.org or 435-652-4742.  Thanks!

Week 38 Schedule
May 5-9

Utah-in-the-News
Presenting on May 9th

1st: Sarah, Tayaln, Tailor, Kayleigh B, Rachel, Amanda, Lucy, Donovan, Armando
2nd: Sebastian, Chance, *Kaden, *Dylan
4th: Walker, Kobe, Berkley, *Brittany, *Jackson, **Mo
5th:   Hallie, Makaela, Jeffrey, Alexis, Karissa, **Bryson, *Brock, *Chelsi
6th:  Lauren, Skylar, Ellee, **Cristina, *Holden

*unprepared=must do 2 reports, **unprepared for 2 weeks= must  do 3 reports


Book Reports Due May 7th

Monday, May 5th  (Teacher Appreciation Week)
Calendar/Reading Minutes Check
1st Period: Literature Circles Day #6
Esperanza Rising through page 130

Learning Objective:  I can will be organized by showing their reading minutes. I will read and comprehend literature.

Tuesday, May 6th

Poetry Bellwork
1st Period: Literature Circles Day #7
Esperanza Rising through page 160
Learning Objective:  I can learn about poetry and write a poem to demonstrate my knowledge.  I will comprehend literature and demonstrate my knowledge through class discussion and writing.

Wednesday, May 7th

BOOK REPORTS DUE
1st Period: Literature Circles Day #8
Esperanza Rising through page 190
7am Reading Club Party
Learning Objective: I can learn about poetry and write a poem to demonstrate my knowledge.  I will comprehend literature and demonstrate my knowledge through class discussion and writing.

Thursday, May 8th

All classes: Paired Text Activity
Last Library Day

Learning Objective:  Students will comprehend information text and explore valuable informational text skills in the library.  I will comprehend literature and demonstrate my knowledge through class discussion and writing.

Friday, May 9th
Utah-in-the-News
Gecko Time: Enrichment,/Homework Hall
Learning Objective:  I can learn practice speaking and listening skills through Utah-in-the-News.  I can celebrate learning by participating in Enrichment if all my work is complete.  If not, I'll be doing Homework Hall to get caught-up in class.