Update for October 4th

It's hard to believe we've been in school for almost eight weeks! 

In Reading:
We finished Crash and started reading The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare.  Students should be reading from their self-selected novel outside of class (study hall and at home).  We are discussing how characters react to challenges.  Independent Reading Presentations will be on October 18th.

In Writing:
We are creating a Personal Narrative about a time we were hurt.  We are focusing on writing in first person, creating a strong lead and conclusion, dialogue, and word choice.

Our first quarter is winding down, and parent-teacher conferences will soon be held.  The first quarter grades in Literacy are often the best grades.  During our first quarter, students do not have any Module Tests or major writing pieces.  So the first quarter is like a "Honeymoon" period.  With that being said, the Second Quarter will start off with a bang.  Here are some important upcoming dates for Literacy:

• October 14- No school for students (Teacher Work Day)
• October 16- End of First Quarter
• October 18- Independent Reading Presentations due (35 points)
• October 21-25 Writing Performance Task (will be completed in class; 100 points)
• October 22-23 Parent-Teacher Conferences
• October 29- Reading Module (50 points)
• October 30- Writing Module (50 points)

Yesterday, students were assigned their second Independent Reading Presentation (IRP).  The requirements are exactly the same as the first IRP completed in September.  I've added an additional option for presenting.  Students may choose to create a CD Cover for the book they choose to present.  Along with creating a colorful cover, the students will also write the title of three songs that relate to the book.  Students must explain how the song relates to the story.  Students DO NOT need to download any music or bring an actual CD.  I have a template the students should use.  They may glue or tape the template to an empty CD case.  I've attached an example below:

Front of CD:

 

 

Back of CD:

 

 

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.