October 28- November 1

ELA 7

*The 1st marking period ends on Tuesday

Students have finished the launch text, "Leaving Main Street."  The debates went very well.  I was impressed with the quality of the arguments.  I will upload video of some of the opening statements sometime this week.

On Tuesday, students will participate in a figurative language group session and have time to work on their Study Island individual sessions.  "Figurative Language Individual Session" is due by the end of the day on Thursday.  As always, students have unlimited attempts available to earn a 100%.

Since Thursday is Halloween, I decided it would be nice to have some fun. I organized an Edgar Allan Poe escape room challenge for our students.  Students will read, define words using context clues, map the elements of plot, and identify figurative language.
 Edgar Allen Poe Escape Room: Input answers here


Students will move into "Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed."  Students will read the story and listen to the radio play.  We will be comparing and contrasting the two.  Students will also focus on vocabulary, figurative language, and comparisons using adverbs and adjectives.  In last week's weekly update or homework blog entry, you will find the study guide and the additional practice for this selection.

Students preparing for their space debates and presenting:

Have a great week!
Mrs. Fowler

October 21 - October 25

ELA 7

 

This week students will be moving into unit 2.  We are starting with the launch text, "Leaving Main Street."  Students will be given a statement: We should stop exploring space because the money spent on space missions could be put to better use here on Earth.  Students are to strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree.  Students will be grouped based on their choices and tasked with reading "Leaving Main Street."  Groups are to gather evidence from the text to support their position.  Students will present their arguments on Thursday in a debate format.

After completing the launch text, students will move into "Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed."  Students will read the story and listen to the radio play.  We will be comparing and contrasting the two.  Students will also focus on vocabulary, figurative language, and comparisons using adverbs and adjectives.  Below you will find the study guide and the additional practice. 

Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed Study Guide

Figurative Language Additional Practice

Comparison Using Adjectives and Adverbs Additional Practice

Word Study Additional Practice

Additional Practice Answer Key

Below you will find some photos of students during the thesaurus presentation, working on their slip or trip reports, and playing a game focusing on coordinate and cumulative adjectives.

October 15 - October 18

ELA 7

*Please note that there is no school for students on Monday.   

Students will have a guest presenter on Tuesday.  Ms. Domalakes from the Frackville Rotary is giving each 7th grade student a thesaurus.  She has also prepared a presentation on how to use this resource.

This week we will begin citing evidence and evaluating arguments.  Students will participate in an activity called "Slip or Trip?"  Students will be given a cartoon "crime scene" and play the part of detective.  Students will gather evidence and write a "police report" that argues whether the man was tripped or he slipped.  Students will have to use credible evidence and evaluate the arguments.

Slip or Trip Police Report Requirements
Slip or Trip "Crime Scene"

*"Citing Textual Evidence Individual Session" is due by the end of the day on Friday.

Students will also reread An Invisible Thread, which they will compare to "A Simple Act."  Both stories are about Laura and Maurice, but the point of view is different in each.  In addition to comparing texts, students will learn about cumulative and coordinate adjectives, go even deeper into point of view, study vocabulary, including the affix -ity, and work on comprehension skills.

An Invisible Thread Study Guide
An Invisible Thread Craft and Structure Additional Practice
An Invisible Thread Conventions Additional Practice
An Invisible Thread Word Study Additional Practice

Students will take a test on An Invisible Thread on Friday.

I would like to thank you for reaching out after the passing of my grandfather.  Your support during a such a difficult time was much appreciated.

Thank you,

Mrs. Fowler