Students read two short stories in literature, to practice standards such as making text, personal, and world connections to what they have been reading. Now that we are starting our first novel this week, students will continue to be asked to "think outside the box" and beyond traditional comprehension questions focused around plot, setting, character development and the like, and formulate answers to Socratic questions. What is Socratic thinking? It's a way to develop thinking skills on many levels, and to defend our thinking, often using text-based evidence. It will ultimately lead to better writing, if we practice it verbally as well. Here is a website that will explain more: link. Students are expected to go beyond the obvious, and apply their understanding of the text, (in this case, a documentary novel), to generate ideas and respond to literary questions focused on that day's reading. Students will generally be reading 2 chapters a day and have been given bookmarks that outline reading assignments for Nothing but the Truth. I have many extra copies; if you would like to read the book along with your child, please contact me and I will gladly send a book home with your child.

 

First Book Report

We moved our first book report of six this year, originally due October 11, to the 12 ^th, to allow students to write for a longer period of time (30 mins. vs. 42 mins.). Students are currently doing research to 6 questions that we discussed in class (also available on my website) to uncover background information about the author's life and career. Students will be then using their notes they've taken from various websites and resources to write an in-class book report on the 12 ^th. They can either type it on their Chrome book or write it by hand on paper. This alleviates opportunities for plagiarism when completed outside of school, as teachers can view documents on Hapara, which is a motoring program for teachers, to ensure students are on safe websites during class. You can learn more about Hapara here.

 

Etymology Tests

Students have enjoyed the new format, that tests them on various levels of Marzano's Understanding including remember, understand, apply, and analyze, for the 7 ^th grade Etymology tests. To read more about Marzano, click here. Projects are aimed toward creating new information and connecting it to prior knowledge. If you find your child is struggling with the new application of understanding, invite your child to explain how he/she is studying, using his/her primary learning style. If the learning style and study technique do not match, your child may not be as successful as he/she can be. I have many study strategies listed on my website. If you are looking for some new ideas, please check out this page.