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6th Grade Critical Thinking
Hope Strickland
DUNCAN U. FLETCHER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Zip Code: 32250
Contact Hope StricklandPage Last Updated Aug 22, 2010
Number of Visits: 789
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Hello and Welcome! I will be discontinuing the use of this schoolnotes page and making all information/updates available on my oncourse website for the 2010-2011 school year. Please check on the "links" section to find that! Thank you! Mrs. Strickland Week of June 7-11 The final week is here! We will spend our last week getting through as much as we can of "Last Great Snake." I really enjoy teaching this class and I hope every student takes something positive from it. Please come back to see me next year! I asked students to please check grades on-line and let me know of any discrepancies ASAP so we can get those items rectified. Also, I sent home progress reports for those students in danger of earning a D or F in the class on Friday. We are down to the wire, so please contact me immediately if you have questions or concerns. One last note, Thursday will be my last day with students as I am taking Friday off for a family event. A veteran teacher (Mrs. Rohrbaugh) will be guest-teaching for me that day, so you will be in good hands and I expect the best from you! The schedule that day will be Homeroom, 2nd and 3rd periods only with lunch during 2nd period. Only bag lunches will be served that day and students will eat in the room. Have a wonderful summer and keep reading! Mrs. Strickland Week of June 1-4 Exam week is upon us and I'm very pleased with the progress I've seen with most students. We began our review guide last Thursday and will continue to work on it Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for our exam on Thursday. Friday, we'll begin our last story together, The Last Great Snake. This is long, but always a favorite and a great way to end our time together. Please continue to monitor progress and I will enter grades in as soon as I get them. I will be entering in a grade of 0 for assignments not turned in to me, but I will take assignments from after progress reports until FRIDAY, JUNE 4.I am also available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings of this week at 8:45. However, you MUST tell me beforehand (e-mail the evening before is OK) so I can make sure I'm in my room. Hang in there! Mrs. Strickland 6/1 Complete exam study guide 6/2 IR Review, possible mini-SID if we have time 6/3 EXAM DAY!!! Remember that you will have the entire period to work on your exam. Please bring a book to read as there will be no talking the ENTIRE period in order to ensure a good working environment for everyone. Good luck! 6/4 Text Opener, Begin 1st Reading, The Last Great Snake Week of May 24-28 We had a productive week last week! I can't believe we will be starting "Gaston" this week and reviewing for our exam--the time has flown by. I want to thank all my classes for good behavior while our guest teacher was there Thursday as well as for their patience Friday while a very loud cement truck parked directly outside my door! We ended up spending the class periods in the library, thanks to Mrs. Foster, where it was much quieter. If you did not hear about your student's Sibling Pledge, take a moment to ask! I was a bit disappointed by those who refused to read theirs aloud and take a 10 point deduction instead, but most students did a very nice job. We still have a few who will present Monday. I know that this is the EOC exam week--get lots of rest and enjoy the fact that we don't have one for my class! We will have a semester exam--study guides will go out this week and the exam will be June 3. If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Have a good week! Mrs. Strickland 5/24 Complete any Sibling Pledge presentations Text Opener/1st Reading "Gaston" 5/25 IR Words/questions "Gaston" (I will make sure you have the words that will be included on the exam.) 5/25 2nd Reading, "Gaston" (will count as IR grade for today) 5/26 Complete 2nd Reading Exam Review Study Guide (we will begin working on it today and complete after the holiday weekend) 5/28 School Holiday! Enjoy your long weekend--thank a service member. :-) Week of May 17-21 We will have a guest teacher this Thursday as I attend some training. I expect no problems, just like last time! Also, we will be wrapping up "Superstitions" with a SID and some vocabulary work. Third period will have one last visit to the library on Friday as that class had almost 100% of students checking out books on each of our library days. Way to go! I will provide a box for the other classes to return books for those who do not get the opportunity to do so at another time. If you have overdue and/or lost library books, now is the time to clear that up. One note about the work students have been completing for the directed notes during the second reading of "Superstitions"--I have gone very slowly and made students work individually and I think that frustrated some. However, the exam is coming up (June 3) and there will be no collaborative work performed. I set very high standards for students because I knew they could rise to the occasion! I have been going around to each individual student and pushing him/her to analyze their answers and make sure each part is correct before going on to the next example. I promise that those who took that assignment seriously will reap the rewards in improved grades on the exam. :-) Have a good week! Mrs. Strickland 5/17 Complete 2nd Reading, "Superstitions" Give examples in class and go over any questions 5/18 SID "Superstitions" 5/19 IR Sibling Pledge-plan and rough draft 5/20 Guest Teacher today--best behavior! Vocabulary Activies 5/21 IR Final draft--sibling pledge **3rd period to library Week of May 10-14 Progress reports will be sent home Monday, but I sent home a detailed progress report today. If you are regularly checking grades on-line, there should be no surprises. Most students are doing just great; if your grade is not what you want, now is the time to buckle down and pull it up! I tried to put comments beside very low grades and the only way to earn a zero on an assignment is to turn in nothing. Remember, help sessions are on Thursday mornings--just tell me a day ahead or send me an e-mail the night before. Also, please note that we have our LAST Early Dismissal this week. The end really is arriving quickly! This week, we will be exploring "Superstitions" and continuing to strive towards deeper critical thinking. No, "Well, I think so just because." allowed! Overall, I have been very happy with all classes and the progression I'm seeing. If you have any questions/comments/concerns, please let me know. Thank you and have a great week! 5/10 Complete 1st Reading, "Superstitions" Go over words/questions Answer questions in NB and write definitions for words 5/11 Library check-out visit (as long as PE does not need the library due to rain!) Vocabulary activity, "Superstitions" 5/12 Early Dismissal IR Finish vocabulary activity 5/13 2nd reading, "Superstitions" (will count as IR grade for today) 5/14 Complete 2nd reading, "Superstition Week of May 3-7 Please continue to support good study habits, in and out of school, as we begin the count down to the end of the school year. It gets hard as that ocean starts calling our names, but we can do it! Thank you for your help from home. 5/3-5/5 Complete viewing The Princess Bride and finish the Venn diagram assignment **Notebooks will be graded as we watch the movie. 5/6 IR Text Opener, 1st Reading "Superstitions" 5/7 IR Continue 1st Reading, "Superstitions"Venn diagram--"C&M" vs. The Princess Bride Week of April 19-23 We will complete our study of "Bad Characters" this week with a 2nd reading done in groups as well as a Shared Inquiry discussion. Also, I forgot to remind everyone that report cards went home Friday, April 16. However, if you regularly check grades with mygradeportal.com. then you already knew! Please remember that we still have quite a bit of Critical Thinking to do, so keep up the effort! One last item--this week is the BOGO Book Fair in the media center! Mrs. Foster holds this spring fair strictly for the students as no profit is made. This is a great time to stock up for summer reading or gifts you may need. If students "show me the money" at the beginning of class, I will allow them to go purchase items at the book fair (except Thursday, our SID day). Have a wonderful week! 4/19 IR Go over work left Friday (vocab. and character diagram) Time permitting, review "S.E.E" method, split class into groups for 2nd reading 4/20 In groups, complete 2nd reading and place S.E.E. example onto construction paper 4/21 Groups present findings! 4/22 SID "Bad Characters" 4/23 IR Text opener, 1st Reading "Chura and Marwe" Week of April 12-16 I hope everyone had a great spring break and is ready to get back to work! We will be delving into a story entitled, "Bad Characters" this week. The setting is during the Great Depression and entails the intertwined lives of two girls from very different upbringings. The line between right and wrong gets a bit muddled and we always have an interesting Shared Inquiry Discussion for this story! I do plan on a quick library visit this week, so keep an eye out for what day that will be (most likely Tuesday or Thursday). Also, we will welcome a guest teacher Friday as I will not be at school. I will give very specific CHAMPs that will be followed in my absence and a little encouragement to behave from home is much appreciated! I am used to having wonderful comments about how well-behaved my classes are upon my return and I expect no less this week. :-) Mrs. H. Strickland 4/12 Welcome back! Text Opener, background info and begin 1st Reading for "Bad Characters" **Remember, if you did not turn in your notebook for "ALP" before the break, you need to do so TODAY. The same goes for your "Harrision Bergeron" project. 4/13 Possible Library visit Continue w/1st Reading "BC" 4/14 **Early Dismissal** Wrap up 1st reading "BC" 4/15 Possible library visit--if not, begin with IR Go over questions, words 4/16 Guest Teacher Day! Please be on your most helpful behavior and make our guest teacher happy to come back! IR "BC" FCAT sub-strand worksheets (main idea, vocabulary, reference/research) Week of March 29-April 2 We had a wonderful, albeit too short, start to "Harrison Bergeron" Friday! It was interesting to hear what an equal society means to students and to hear their thoughts directly after reading the story. This week, we will be completing a project that demands some critical thinking and I am eagerly awaiting the finished products. As a reminder, I am placing the handout for this project under attachments in case students need an additional copy. If students use their time wisely, everything should be completed during class time. Please log in to mygradeportal.com to check grades. Even after our make-up day last Wednesday, there were still students who did not turn in work and those grades became zeros. Please help your students work on responsibility, if needed. They are only one quarter away from becoming 7th graders! :-) I wish you and your families have a wonderful, restful Spring Break! Mrs. Strickland 3/29 IR Hand out worksheet for "Harrison Bergeron" project--students will choose one of 3 projects and may work with a partner 3/30 Continue work on "HB" project 3/31 Complete/share "HB" project 4/1 Teacher Work Day--No school for students! 4/2 Spring Break for everyone!! Be safe and have fun! Week of March 22-26 We have only 8 more class days before the end of 3rd quarter! Accordingly, please make sure you are logging in to mygradeportal.com regularly to check grades, see what assignments are missing and check for any messages. Parents, if you cannot make it to school to get your login information, please ask your student to get his/hers (that info. was sent home with 2nd quarter progress reports and can be obtained in the 6th-grade house office). As an incentive to get everyone to log in, I told all my classes that extra credit can be earned towards an independent reading grade for telling me what new thing I added to my oncourse website. Just jot it down on a piece of paper with your name on it and hand it to me Monday! Remember, the link is listed at the bottom of this page, too. We are still in need of tissues and hand sanitizer and paper is always gratefully accepted as well! Please continue to support reading and check on your student's progress. Mrs. H. Strickland 3/22 Demonstration of S.E.E. method for directed notes Begin 2nd Reading, "ALP" (t-chart) 3/23 Complete 2nd Reading, "ALP" 3/24 **Early Dismissal** IR Catch-up time--last chance for missing assignments since progress reports--grades will turn into zeros for assignments not turned in by the end of class!!! 3/25 SID--"ALP" Circle time! 3/26 Begin "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut This is an incredibly thought-provoking story--parents, google the story and read for yourselves to help facilitate some great discussions. :-) Week of March 15-19 We all survived FCAT week! Now, we can get back to work on a new story. We will be reading "A Likely Place" this week. This story involves the complex relationship between children and adults--a timely topic! Also, please note that we will be taking a trip to the library for check out on Tuesday. As you may have heard, DCSB is continuing to operate under a very tight budget. One of the results is that we will be extremely limited when it comes to copy paper for the remainder of the year. This will make it necessary for me to institute a one-copy-per-student policy when it comes to handouts. I will add anything I can to the attachment section of this site so students may make more copies from home if needed. If you have some extra copy paper (or hand sanitizer!) that is not otherwise occupied and you wish to donate it, I will be happy to accept. :-) Thank you for your continued support! Mrs. H. Strickland 3/15 Text Opener, begin 1st Reading, "A Likely Place" 3/16 Library check-out--BRING YOUR BOOKS! Complete 1st Reading, "ALP" 3/17 IR Words/questions "ALP" 3/18 Vocabulary Activity Write your own Focus interpretive question 3/19 Begin 2nd Reading "ALP" 3/20 Complete 2nd Reading "ALP" Week of March 8-12 Due to FCAT testing this week, we will be very flexible. I will not see first period Tuesday or Wednesday and 2nd period will be shorter both those days as well. We will continue working with "My Greatest Ambition" with 2nd and 3rd periods completing a fun, relaxed poster about their greatest ambition on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday and Friday, we'll wrap up 2nd reading and maybe get to a Shared Inquiry Discussion Friday (depending on how ready we are). Please note that lunch for 2nd period will be from 11:30-12:00 and they are to go directly to the cafeteria after the morning testing session is completed. Please make sure students arrive fed (in a healthy way!) at school each day and keep things as calm as possible at home and on the way to school. Good luck, everyone! Mrs. Strickland Week of March 1-5 I can't believe March is already here! That means FCAT is next week and I changed our plans just a bit to accommodate. We are delaying our monologue assignment in favor of a differentiated lesson using "Raymond's Run" that will help each student in his/her weakest FCAT reading strand. I am grouping students based on their lowest strand score and then each group will work on an assignment using "RR" that is designed to bolster that particular skill set. Students will then place their answers on a large puzzle piece that we will add to the rest of the class to create one big puzzle that will hopefully end the "puzzlement" over FCAT questions! Progress reports went home Thursday--please ask your child if you have not seen his/hers. As always, I encourage you to check mygradeportal.com for up-to-date progress as well as notes/comments I may enter. If an assignment earns a grade of zero, it was not turned in to be graded. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your continued support! Mrs. H. Strickland 3/1 IR Begin "puzzling" assignment--complete worksheets 3/2 IR Continue with "puzzling" assignment--work on puzzle pieces **you may bring art supplies if you wish** 3/3 Early Dismissal Complete puzzle pieces--share with class 3/4 Text Opener, 1st Reading, "My Greatest Ambition" 3/5 Complete 1st Reading, "MGA" Week of Feb. 22-26 This week, we will really delve into "Raymond's Run" and end the week brainstorming and planning monologues about something at school that needs to be changed and/or that students think is unfair. (Always a favorite assignment!) We slowed down a little last week to model effective reading techniques, but I think that slight change in plans will prove to be very beneficial. Please note that progress reports will be distributed Thursday, so please keep an eye out for that. Remember that you can always go to mygradeportal.com to check on progress. I'm looking forward to another productive week! Mrs. H. Strickland 2/22 IR Complete words/questions "RR" Word Map 2/23 Second reading with directed notes "RR"--demonstrate examples (re-reading story will count as independent reading today) 2/24 Wrap up 2nd reading and prepare for SID 2/25 Shared Inquiry Discussion "RR" 2/26 Begin work on monologue (brainstorming, planning, start rough draft) Week of Feb. 15-19 I apologize for my tardiness--busy weekend and week so far! We are finally delving into our Great Books textbook this week with a great story that most students really enjoy. Our first full-fledged SID was awesome and I was very pleased with the participation as well as the thoughtful comments. I'm anticipating many more productive discussions! Please make sure to continue to check mygradeportal.com for grades as I'm updating once or twice a week, if not more often. Let me know if you have questions/comments! Mrs. H. Strickland 2/15 (Mon.) Holiday! No school. 2/16 (Tue.) IR Word Play with words from Starting Off Strong stories 2/17 (Wed.) Early Dismissal Complete Word Play Text Opener, "Raymond's Run" 2/18 (Thu.) 1st Reading, "Raymond's Run" Write down unknown words and questions as we read. 2/19 (Fri.) Words/questions "RR" Word Map with one unknown word Week of Feb. 8-12 We are off to a good start with learning the Shared Inquiry Process! I have entered in several grades, so please make sure to log in to mygradeportal.com to keep track of progress. At this point, if there is no grade for an assignment, it was not turned in to me to grade and needs to be turned in no later than Wednesday, Feb. 10, or it will become a zero. I listed all missing assignments on the board Friday and gave everyone a chance to catch up, so there are no excuses! :-) This week, we will read "Boar Out There" and have our first full-blown Shared Inquiry Discussion. It sometimes takes a little getting-used-to, but most students enjoy having our "circle discussions." Thank you for your continued support! Mrs. H. Strickland 2/8 IR Text Opener, 1st Reading "Boar Out There" 2/9 IR Words, questions, 2nd reading "BOT" **Today is the FCAT Writing test for 8th graders, so 1st period will be a bit longer and 2nd a bit shorter** 2/10 IR Finish reading guide for "BOT" Vocab. activity, time permitting 2/11 Shared Inquiry Discussion--"BOT" Remember to read the board for instructions and follow the rules for SID! 2/12 IR Review our SID performance Text Opener, "Raymond's Run" (in text) Week of Feb. 1-5 I enjoyed meeting my new students and getting to know everyone a bit. We did get to squeeze in a library visit Friday, so everyone should now be prepared with Independent Reading material this week. We will not always have time to begin class with IR, but I try to get to it most days and students should always have something to read in case they finish early. Also, many students have already returned the bottom portion of the syllabus signed and brought in supplies--thank you! Make sure to bring those items in Monday if you have not already. If you need a copy of the syllabus, it is included in the "downloads" section of this page. This week, report cards go home, we have an early dismissal day as well as an in-school game. Busy, busy! We will also begin practicing the Shared Inquiry Process using the Starting Off Strong series of stories. Mrs. Strickland 2/1 (Mon.) Report Cards go home!! Independent Reading (including going over rubric) Complete any notes on SIP and successful tips for successful readers Begin "House on Mango Street" 2/2 (Tue.) IR Complete "House on Mango Street" "The Moth and the Star" Gathering Evidence 2/3 (Wed.) Early Dismissal Complete "The Moth and the Star" 2/4 (Thu.) In-school Soccer Game IR "State Of Affairs" Listening to Others 2/5 (Fri.) Continue "State of Affairs" Week of Jan. 25-29 Just when you thought you were rid of me, 1st semester students get to come to me one last day on Monday! We will spend the time working on book covers for your favorite stories we've read over the semester--fun and good advertising for the next group. Also, students will report for a very brief homeroom Tuesday morning and will receive 2nd semester schedules at that time. The schedule for the rest of the day will be normal. For my 2nd semester students, welcome! We will spend this week getting to know each other, gathering supplies and learning about the basics of the Shared Inquiry Process. Please keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change based on the needs of individual classes. I'll leave 1st semester notes up this week in case you would like to see the types of things we'll be doing. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you! Mrs. H. Strickland 1/25 (Mon.) 1st semester students--book cover for favorite story we read in class I will miss you guys! ♥ 1/26 (Tue.) Welcome to my new students! Seating assignments, introductions/interviews, supply list Pen/pencil 2-pocket folder composition notebook Independent Reading material DAILY Loose-leaf notebook paper Optional: personal pencil sharpener (that catches shavings) markers (non-permanent), colored pencils 1/26 (Wed.) CHAMPs review Syllabus (bottom portion must be signed and returned by Monday, 2/1; please include a local phone #) 1/27 (Thu.) Chain of Strengths activity Types of Questions Begin Shared Inquiry Process notes 1/28 (Fri.) Complete Shared Inquiry Process notes What Readers Do/ 7 Habits of an Effective Reader Week of Jan. 18-22 My last week with this group of students is upon us and it is a short one! I'm still working on grading exams and will go over them in class this week. Exam grades will show up on report cards, too. I spent Thursday and Friday of last week trying to get those missing assignments completed to help boost grades and am using written work from "Last Great Snake" to help improve averages for all students with a "B" average or below. Any questions? Please contact me. :-) I have very much enjoyed this group of students and think we have made great progress in the Shared Inquiry Process. I encourage "bosses" to continue to read and discuss things with students--don't ask just the easy questions! I hope students will come by to see me and share what they are reading, too. As a side note, most of my 1st period is also in my homeroom, so I will be seeing those students during FCAT testing. Let's have a great final week! Mrs. Strickland 1/18 (Mon.) MLK Day--No school 1/19 (Tue.) Quick library visit Complete (I hope!) 1st Reading,"LGS" 1/20 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal** Questions, "LGS" 1/21 (Thu.) Finish questions, "LGS" Please take home ALL folders and composition notebooks! 1/22 (Fri.) No school (for you!) Teacher Work Day Week of Jan. 11-15 We have made it to exam week! I've added the Exam Study Guide to the Downloads section of this site, in case students loose the one everyone will receive Monday. This guide will count as a notebook grade, so make sure it gets completed. Please stress to your student the importance of exams--we do not take traditional tests in this course except this one and students need to understand cheating will NOT be tolerated and will result in a zero (0) on the exam. While we are speaking of grades, please make sure to log in to dcsb.mygradeportal.com to review current grades. Any missing work since progress reports must be turned in by this coming Friday, January 15. The only exception to this would be the book talks and those may not be made up. If you have questions, please ask them now as we have very little time left. After our exam, we will end the course with a great story entitled, "The Last Great Snake." It is a wonderfully creative and vivid story that is a high note upon which to end our time together, so I hope everyone enjoys! Mrs. Strickland 1/11 (Mon.) Pass out Exam Study Guides and complete individually in class. I want students to see weak spots before the exam. :-) 1/12 (Tue.) Go over Exam Study Guide and make corrections. 1/13 (Wed.) EXAM Day!! Good luck everyone! Study guides will be collected before exams are given. Also, second period will go to lunch at the beginning of class (report to class first) today only so we can have uninterrupted time to take the exam. 1/14 (Thu.) Text Opener, begin first reading, "The Last Great Snake" 1/15 (Fri.) Continue first reading, "LGS" Week of Jan. 4-8, 2010 Happy New Year and welcome back! We are entering the final weeks of this course--it has gone by so quickly. We will begin the story upon which your exam is based this week, so be ready to work! Your exam will include all the elements we discuss in class: comprehension, vocabulary and interpretive questions. I will give an exam guide and you will be allowed to use the text during the exam on January 13. Also note that we do have an early dismissal on Wednesday and I will work on getting time in the library, so check back Monday to see what day that will be. Mrs. Strickland 1/4 (Mon.) Text Opener and 1st Reading, "Gaston" (How do you "dance" around a difficult topic when speaking with loved ones?) 1/5 (Tue.) IR Words/Questions/Vocabulary Activity (either word maps or analogies) 1/6 (Wed.)**Early Dismissal** Second Reading-T-chart noting places where the girl feels taken care of and places where she feels on her own 1/7 (Thu.) Continue with Second Reading; Interpreting Words activity 1/8 (Fri.) IR Interpretive Questions in groups; Exam Review Guide discussed Week of Dec. 14-18 A quick note--I updated the links section to include the winter reading packet link. Also, I updated my oncourse site (link in favorite links section) with information about extra credit opportunity using the winter reading packet. Please check it out if interested! I'm updating early this week! Next week will be short with only 3 days. First and second periods will take up almost all the time with Book Talks (see the downloads section if you forgot your rubric or organizer). Those classes will read a short story with any time left we may have. As 3rd period is so much smaller and with fewer presentations, we will have time to read a short story by Kurt Vonnegut entitled, "Harrison Bergeron." With this story, we will explore human equality carried to the extreme. I wish you and your families Happy Holidays and can't wait to see you in the new year! Mrs. Strickland Week of Dec. 7-11 Schoolnotes has been giving me a fit, so I will make my 3rd attempt to update short and sweet! Note that the rubric for the book talk is under "downloads" and they will be due next week before winter break. If you will not be at school, let me know and you may present this week. Don't panic; this is for a book you have already read and it is to be only a 3-5 minute talk to convince us to read the book. I look forward to this project every year as they always turn out well! Thank you for your continued support! Mrs. H. Strickland 12/7 (Mon.) Notebooks for "Chura and Marwe" due Library check-out and last chance for book fair (must show me the money to visit!) Sign up for book talk presentation date Review Venn-diagrams and begin viewing The Princess Bride to analyze, compare/contrast with "Chura and Marwe" 12/8 (Tue.) Continue movie and working on Venn-diagrams 12/9 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** Continue movie and Venn-diagrams 12/10 (Thu.) Conclude movie and Venn-diagrams 12/11 (Fri.) Any early Book Talk presentations for those who wish to go early or will be absent next week Wrap-up discussion of movie and folk tale Week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4 11/30 (Mon.) Explain Book Talk--students should decide book they will use for talk Text Opener, 1st Reading, "Chura and Marwe" (an African folk-tale of love, loyalty and friendship) 12/1 (Tue.) IR Show example of Book Talk Words/questions "Chura and Marwe" (complete one word map and share with class) 12/2 (Wed.) Re-reading story will count as IR grade today Second reading 3-column chart noting places where people in the story are being Cruel, Kind or Indifferent 12/3 (Thu.) Progress Reports Come Home! Shared Inquiry Discussion, "Chura and Marwe" 12/4 (Fri.) Begin viewingThe Princess Bride and completing a Venn-diagram comparing/contrasting the movie and the story, "Chura and Marwe" Week of Nov. 23-27 11/23 (Mon.) Shared Inquiry Discussion "Bad Characters" 11/24 (Tue.) Reward Board Game Day! For all students who have turned in EVERY assignment so far this quarter, you have earned an entire class period to play board games! You may bring appropriate games from home (you may wish to put your name on it somewhere), but no electronic games such as iTouch, PSP, DS, etc. Basically, if you aren't supposed to have it at school, don't bring it! Any questions? Ask me! Students with missing work will use this time to complete those assignments. 11/25-11/27 Happy Thanksgiving! Week of Nov. 16-20 11/16 (Mon.) 1st and 2nd--complete 1st reading All--review words/questions and begin vocab. activity 11/17 (Tue.) IR Complete Vocab. Activity 11/18 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45)** Vocab. word Charades!! Come with your creativity! 11/19 (Thu.) 2nd Reading (t-chart with S.E.E. examples) 11/20 (Fri.) Complete 2nd reading and share with class Week of Nov. 9-13 11/9 (Mon.) Sibling Pledge Poem (to be completed in class-due at the beginning of class Tuesday if not finished at school) 11/10 (Tue.) Poem presentations for those wanting extra credit Text Opener, "Bad Characters" (set during the Depression--a story of two unlikely friends) 11/11 (Wed.) Happy Veteran's Day! No school 11/12 (Thu.) Library Visit Begin 1st Reading, "Bad Characters" 11/13 (Fri.) Complete 1st Reading, "BC" Week of Nov. 2-6 11/2 (Mon.) IR Words/questions/word map "TMOTC" 11/3 (Tue.) **Report Cards come home** Begin 2nd Reading "TMOTC" (learning the S.E.E. method and using it to note places where the narrator finds something mysterious) 11/4 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** Complete 2nd Reading--present findings 11/5 (Thu.) SID "TMOTC" 11/6 (Fri.) IR "TMOC" Notebooks due Fun "Mysteries of. . ." poem written during class Week of Oct. 26-30 10/26 (Mon.) Teacher Work Day!! No school for you--I'll be there, though. . . 10/27 (Tue.) In-school Football Game (Schedule--7, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, HR, Game) Remember to wear your spirit beads! Library check out; work on poster if we have time (classes will be truncated due to game) 10/28 (Wed.) Complete Ambition Poster in class 10/29 (Thu.) Text Opener, 1st Reading, "Mysteries of the Cabala" (Thinking about why we make up stories and try to impress) 10/30 (Fri.) Go over words/questions "MOTC" and create one word map Week of Oct. 19-23 The monologues were great! Many students came up with creative solutions to things about school that bugged them as well as some solid supports for their opinions. This assignment counts as the 9 weeks project, so there will be no exam this quarter for my class. Although I did not have all papers graded Friday, I did enter a grade of 0 for those who did not turn in a paper and showed those students how it impacted their grade for the quarter. For those students with a low C, D, or F, I ran progress reports and sent them home. This Friday (10/23), is the last day of the quarter. While all missing assignments that appeared on the mid-term progress report are now zeros, missing assignments from that point can still be turned in for a maximum of 60% (unless the student was ill--those students have one day for each day missed to make up the work for full credit). Note that this Wednesday, 10/21, will be a reward day for those with no missing assignments and a work day for those still needing to turn in work. That is also the last day I'll accept missing work. I appreciate "boss" support as students need to learn responsibility. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions! One last thing, we will be working on a "greatest ambition" poster at the end of the week. Your student may want to bring in pictures depicting his/her greatest ambition from magazines, the internet, newspapers or actual pictures. Mrs. H. Strickland 10/19 (Mon.) IR Complete Word Study from Friday on "MGA" and turn in Begin 2nd reading "MGA" (t-chart in NB noting places where Morris shows determination and does not show determination) 10/20 (Tue.) Complete 2nd Reading "MGA" and review with class 10/21(Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** Reward Day!! Those with all assignments complete for the quarter will be allowed to play board games. Students may bring them from home (no electronic or inappropriate games, please), but be sure to label them. Other students will use the time to complete assignments. This is the last day to turn in missing work since mid-term progress reports. 10/22 (Thu.) Shared Inquiry Discussion, "My Greatest Ambition" 10/23 (Fri.) Greatest Ambition Poster Project **There will be a Teacher Work Day on Monday, October 26. Enjoy your day!** Week of Oct. 12-16 10/12 (Mon.) Happy Columbus Day! Work on final draft in class. Final draft will be due at beginning of class Tuesday for all except those on Challenger Field Trip (they will have until Wednesday). Final draft may be typed (at home), but DOES NOT have to be. All final drafts should be approximately 1 page in length (handwritten) and written on the front side of the paper only. **Please note: 2nd period has until Wednesday at the beginning of class to turn in final draft due to so many interruptions last week. :-) Sign up for extra-credit presentation. 10/13 (Tue.) **Final Draft of monologue due!!** IR X-tra credit presentations 10/14 (Wed.) IR Text Opener, "My Greatest Ambition" 1st Reading "MGA" **2nd period--final drafts due/x-tra credit presentations 10/15 (Thu.) Continue 1st Reading, "MGA" 10/16 (Fri.) IR Words/Questions, "MGA" Week of Oct. 5-9 This week will need to be flexible as so many students will be going on the science field trip on different days. I am working on an alternate library check-out day for 2nd period as I learned most of those students will be on the field trip Thursday. I appreciate your understanding as we all go with the flow! If students are diligently working and we fall behind with the monologues, time for the assignment may possibly be added. We really stretched our brains this past week with a very challenging Word Play activity as well as our deeper look into "Raymond's Run" during our 2nd reading. With the Word Play, we had to take a look at words' meanings as well as the ways in which they are related to each other. Students did a great job of stretching and working that big brain muscle! I am looking forward to their insights this week during our Shared Inquiry Discussion (that we did not get to Friday!). Let's have another week of progress! Mrs. Strickland 10/5 (Mon.) Shared Inquiry Discussion "Raymond's Run" (for all who are here!) Turn in notebook for "RR" (text opener, 1st reading words/questions/definitions, 2nd reading t-chart with 2 examples with explanations under each column) 10/6 (Tue.) 1st period--SID "RR" for those who were on FT Monday 2nd and 3rd--Begin work on monologue (topic is something about school that you think is unfair). We will talk about what a monologue is and start the planning sheet and brainstorming. Turn in notebook for those who weren't here Monday. 10/7 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** PTSA Membership BBQ All classes should be here! 1st Period--Begin work on monologue (topic is something about school that you think is unfair). We will talk about what a monologue is and start the planning sheet and brainstorming. 2nd and 3rd--Continue working on monologue. Planning sheet should be completed by end of class and rough draft should be started. 10/8 (Thu.) Library check-out Continue working on monologue. 10/9 (Fri.) IR Complete monologue (final draft becomes homework if not completed in class). Week of Sept. 28-Oct. 2 9/28 (Mon.) IR Words/Questions from "Raymond's Run" Vocabulary Activity 9/29 (Tue.) IR Complete Vocab. Activity Write your own interpretive question from "RR" AND give one possible answer with evidence. 9/30 (Wed.) Second Reading, "RR" Note places in the text where Squeaky's attitude(s) help her and places where they hurt her. Use a t-chart and give explanations. 10/1 (Thu.) Continue Second Reading, "RR" 10/2 (Fri.) Picture Day!! Come dressed to impress! SID "RR" Turn in notebooks if ready; all notebooks will be due Monday, Oct. 5. Week of Sept. 21-25 **Mid-week change of plans!! There is an opening at the library Wednesday, Sept. 23, so ALL CLASSES will be going there for check-out time. After that, we will have independent reading time. (We have a short class period due to Early Dismissal).** I have been pleased with the progress I am seeing during our time with "Through the Tunnel." I am adjusting to the shorter class periods, so you will note that we didn't get through everything I had hoped last week. This week, we have an Early Dismissal day and progress reports go home, so it will be busy! Also, don't feel that 1st and 2nd periods are left out for library check-out time. Most students will be spending time in the library with their Language Arts classes this week completing a scavenger hunt. That made it tricky for me to book a time for us to check out. I was able to squeeze in 3rd period, but the others will have to wait until next Monday. Remember that the library opens at 9:20 and students may also check out books then. Thank you for your continued support! Mrs. H. Strickland 9/21 (Mon.) Complete discussion of 2nd reading directed notes, "TTT" Interpreting Words Exercise, "Contrition" *Students may turn in Notebooks at end of class if finished. Notebooks will be due Tuesday for everyone. 9/22 (Tue.) Shared Inquiry Discussion, "TTT" *Notebook check 9/23 (Wed.) **Early Dismissal--2:45** Text Opener, "Raymond's Run" *3rd period--Library check-out 9/24 (Thu.) ♣Progress Reports go home!♣ First Reading, "Raymond's Run" Write unknown words, questions in composition notebook 9/25 (Fri.) IR Go over Words/Questions, "RR" Week of Sept. 14-18 We had our first "real" Shared Inquiry Discussion this week and I think students did very well. We talked about our strengths and weaknesses as a group and have some goals for our next SID. We will start in our textbook Monday with a great story about a boy facing a big challenge, so ask your student about it when you get a chance this week. As we are starting to get more grades, I will be letting students know where they stand this week. As this is not the mid-term progress report, I will write their current grade into their planners to help save paper. I will work on this Monday and hope to get to each student. However, in my larger classes, I may have to run into Tuesday to reach everyone. Always feel free to e-mail me if you require more information! Mr. Nelson is having a Parent Info meeting right before the SAC meeting this Tuesday, Sept. 15, beginning at 6 pm. I try to add school-wide events to my calendar, so be sure to check back frequently! One last note, I always have hand sanitizer and tissues available to my students and we are running low. If you feel so inclined, a box of tissues or hand-sanitizer (refills are wonderful) would be very much appreciated! Let's have a great week! Mrs. H. Strickland 9/14 (Mon.) IR Text Opener (1st Period only) "Through the Tunnel" 1st Reading "TTT" (note unknown words and questions in composition notebook) 9/15 (Tue.) IR Go over words/questions from 1st Reading Create a word map using a vocabulary word 9/16 (Wed.) Second Reading, "TTT" Directed Notes--find places where Jerry acts like a child and places where he acts like an adult 9/17 (Thu.) IR Complete reviewing Directed Notes Interpreting Words Exercise: contrition 9/18 (Fri.) SID for "TTT" *If previous work is not complete, we may have to move this to Monday. Week of Sept. 7-11 Another great week! I enjoyed meeting so many parents at Open House and hope I was able to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact me if you have more! We had our second fire drill of the year (during 1st period again) and I was very pleased with everyone's behavior. It just makes everything run so much more smoothly when students meet or exceed expectations we discuss in class. I really appreciate the help and support from home, too. :-) I did want to mention that I have told students that I will have to "evict" 3-ring binders or anything thicker than the 2-pocket folder I requested this week. We do keep supplies in the classroom, but there is not enough room for these large items. Thank you for supporting me on this issue! We are starting Independent Reading this week and I've included a copy of the reading log under "file attachments" if you need another copy. We will start with IR every day this week (except Wednesday due to shortened class time) to get into the habit, but it will probably end up being about 3 days/week after this. However, students should be prepared EVERY day as IR is their assignment if they finish the class work early. Mrs. H. Strickland 9/7 (Mon.) No School! 9/8 (Tue.) IR "Boar Out There" Putting it all together--this is the last story in our Starting Off Strong series 9/9 (Wed.) Early Release--2:45 Complete "Boar Out There" with a Shared Inquiry Discussion 9/10 (Thu.) IR Begin in our text books with "Through the Tunnel" Text Opener (What is something difficult and challenging you have done and why did you do it?) 1st Reading (note 5 words and 3 questions in notebook as we listen to the story) 9/11 (Fri.) IR Complete 1st Reading "TTT" Week of Aug. 31-Sept. 4 I hope everyone had a great week--I know I did! We got to know each other a bit more and began learning all about the Shared Inquiry Process. I hope to meet parents/guardians at Open House this Tuesday, Sept. 1! (Meet in the cafeteria at 6:15 and then proceed to your child's 1st period classroom at 6:30.) If you have any questions/concerns, please e-mail me and I'll get back with you ASAP. We all need to work together for a successful class. Thank you for your support! Mrs. H. Strickland Aug. 31 (Mon.) Complete notes on Shared Inquiry Process **Materials Due Today!** Sept. 1 (Tue.) "House on Mango Street" Open House--6:15 in cafeteria Sept. 2 (Wed.) "The Moth and the Star" Gathering Evidence Sept. 3 (Thur.) "State Of Affairs" Listening to Others Sept. 4 (Fri.) Catch-up Day! Welcome to Critical Thinking! Hopefully, I have met most of my incoming students at some point and you feel comfortable coming to my class starting August 24. I am leaving my notes from spring semester, 2009, up for a bit in case you want to see a preview of some things we'll be doing this fall. Keep in mind that we will do some things differently, but this will give you a general idea. I've posted plans for the first week of school with some "wiggle room" for things that always seem to pop up at the start of the school year. It would be most helpful if you could try to get supplies (listed below) ASAP so we can get started on the right foot. If you wish to donate items, we can always use printer paper, tissues and hand sanitizer. As some of you may know, all of Duval County will be using ONCOURSE this year as our main communication tool. You will have access to your child's grades, attendance and communication from teachers. As with any new technology, please be patient as everything is brought on-line! It is anticipated that the parent portal will be available towards the end of the first 9 weeks. I have included a link to my web page under "Favorite Links" here and will continue updating this page until the transition is complete. I look forward to a great year! Mrs. Strickland Week of Aug. 24-28 8/24 (Mon.) Seating assignments, introductions/interviews, supply list Pen/pencil 2-pocket folder composition notebook Independent Reading material DAILY Loose-leaf notebook paper Optional: personal pencil sharpener (that catches shavings) markers (non-permanent), colored pencils 8/25 (Tue.) Continue introductions CHAMPs 8/26 (Wed.) Syllabus (bottom portion MUST be returned signed--please include a local telephone #) Chain of Strengths activity 8/27 (Thu.) Types of Questions Shared Inquiry Process 8/28 (Fri.) Finish Shared Inquiry Process What Readers Do 7 Habits of an Effective Reader Critical Thinking Standards IR (Independent Reading): 25book standard, LA.6.1.6--The student uses multiple strategies to develop grade appropriate vocabulary. LA6.1.7: The student uses avariety of strategies to comprehend grade level text. NOTEBOOK: LA.6.1.6--The student uses multiple strategies to develop grade appropriate vocabulary.LA.6.1.7--The student uses a variety of strategies to comprehend grade leveltext. LA.6.2.1--The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledgeof the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts to develop a thoughtful response to a literary selection. VOCABULARY/INTERPRETING WORDS: LA.6.1.6--The student uses multiple strategies to develop grade appropriate vocabulary. SID(Shared Inquiry Discussion): LA.6.2.1--The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of the elements of a variety of fiction and literary texts todevelop a thoughtful response to a literary selection.LA.6.5.1: The student effectively applies listening and speaking strategies. WRITING: LA.6.3.1: The student will useprewriting strategies to generate ideas and formulate a plan. LA.6.3.2:The student will write a draft appropriate to the topic, audience, andpurpose. LA.6.3.3 The student will revise and refine the draft for clarity and effectiveness. LA.6.3.4: The student will edit and correct the draft for standard language conventions. LA.6.3.5: The student will write a final product for the intended audience. LA.6.4.1: The student develops and demonstrates creative writing. |
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