Ten Weeks in a Flash

Time flies...

With the first marking period "in the books" it's a good time to look back on some of the lessons, activities, discussions, etc. that have been occurring in ELA class.

These past several months found classes writing "Halloween Stories" as part of an annual contest, while others researched "spooky" locations in our region.

Classes made public announcements to support relief efforts for hurricane victims, viewed a documentary about a local lacrosse team (and considered the perspective of Native Americans) and were introduced to the work of some classic authors: here, here and here.

All the while students read from their independent books and wrote in their journals.

Saturday Morning Update

Here's a recap of the last several weeks in ELA 7...

Students began "word work" as Flocabuary was introduced.  You may just hear your students singing songs like "Big Up Yourself" and "Yes We Can" at home.

Afternoon classes previewed author Kate Messner's new book The Exact Location of Home. Kate visited SLMS on 10/2 to talk about the writing process and answer students' questions.

Morning classes have been reading about the ongoing crisis in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Students responded by writing " found poetry" and will next research ways people are helping the disaster victims.

All classes continue to read their independent books and write in their journals.

"Face Time"

Here's something new: Team Whiteface is trying out podcasting; ours will be called "Face Time" (get it?).

Here's a link to our first episode all about "home base" at SLMS.

Happy listening!

Friday Night Reflection

It's been a great week at SLMS and in grade 7 ELA.

Students wrote in their journals about the "story of their name." It was interesting to hear students talk about the relatives, celebrities, places, etc. that they were named for.

We started "word work" by listening to a song called "Big Up Yourself" from the Flocabulary website. We'll study vocabulary words from the lyrics to song, which is an "ode to self confidence."

Students continued to read from their independent books. I shared with them the graphic novel that I've been reading and enjoying and showed trailers for books that have been popular reads the last few years: Shelter and Cryers Cross.

The Wheels Begin to Turn

This week things start to kick into high(ish) gear as the getting reacquainted of the first week is now in the rear view mirror.
We'll tackle an assignment in which students write a letter to their "future selves" based on this idea from a teacher in Canada.
Independent reading starts this week and all students have chosen or will choose a book. I've been suggesting some titles including The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas and Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir by Mark Squirek.
We'll also be starting to write journals which is an assignment that will last through out the year.

And We're Off...

Day 1 of the 2017-2018 school year is in the books.

In addition to the usual back to school routine (meet your teachers, meet new students, find out about your classes) there was also a "marshmallow challenge."  Here's a pic of one group working on it via Ms. DeAngelo:

Today, day 2, in ELA 7 we'll be setting up Google Classroom accounts and if there's time, visiting the library for book browsing.

I Still Get Nervous

It's hard to believe, but yes, after 21 years of teaching I still get nervous before the first day of school. If you're reading this, and have a student with some back to school jitters, check this out from National Public Radio.
Though I might not sleep too much tonight, I'll definitely arrive at school looking forward to a new school year in which I'll be co-teaching two classes with Mrs. Nicholas, trying to integrate Google Classroom, as well as continuing to focus on independent reading  and journal writing.
For now, off to toss and turn, but please check back regularly as I'll be posting updates to keep you informed about the goings on in ELA 7 class.