Classroom News

June 8, 2023
1) Finish IReady Diagnostic
2) Unit 10 "Choosing the Right Word"
3) Play blooket to review Unit 10 words.  Test is on Monday.


June 7, 2023

1) IReady Benchmark
2) Blooket


June 6, 2023
1) Do Now: Review Unit 10 words
2) Blooket
3) Continue to read and discuss
Crash.

June 5, 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 10 Complete the Sentence
2) Read and discuss Crash.

June 2, 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 10 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms"
2) Worksheet on Morals
3) Critical Thinking Questions
4) Present fables


June 1, 2023

1) Do Now: a) IReady b) Take out Unit 10 words
2) Review Unit 10 words
3) Meet the Author p. 895
4) Read and discuss "James and the Giant Peach"
5) Identify five elements of fantasy from the story
6) Finish any other assignments.



May 31, 2023
1) Do Now:IReady
2) LinkIt Benchmark C
3) Finish fable
4) Unit 10 vocabulary words due tomorrow.



May 30, 2023 - Internet issues could not take Benchmark.
1) Do Now: Name something you found easy or had difficulties with this year.
2) LinkIt Benchmark C
3) Finish fable
4) IReady for the week - 45 minutes and two lessons


May 25, 2023
1) Do Now: Work on IReady
2) Type final fable


May 24, 2023

1) Do Now: Student Survey
2) Planning sheet for fable
3) Start to type fable.
4) IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons



May 23, 2023

1) Do Now: Vocabulary Warm-up for "Arachne"
2) Meet the Author p. 859
3) Read and discuss "Arachne"
4) Answer Critical Thinking Questions
5) IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons



May 22, 2023

1) Do Now: Vocabulary Warm-up for "The Lion and the Bulls" and "A Crippled Boy"
2) Meet the Authors p. 847
3) Read and discuss the stories
4) Worksheet on cause and effect
5) Critical Thinking Questions

May 18, 2023
1) Do Now: Review Unit 9 vocabulary words.
2) Blooket to Review Unit 9
3) Unit 9 Vocabulary Test
4)
The Jungle Book

May 17, 2023
1) Do Now:   What should you do to finish your project?
2) Finish project choice for "The Blackout"
3) Review Unit 9 vocabulary words - test tomorrow.
4) IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons
5) View The Jungle Book

May 16, 2023

1) Critical Thinking Questions for "Mowgli's Brothers"
2) Unit 9 "Choosing the Right Word"
3) Project choice ending for "The Blackout"



May 12, 2023 - Welcome Back to a regular day of school!


1) Do Now: Blooket to review Unit 9 words. -posted yesterday; test 5/18
2) ReadWorks.org story "The Blackout"
3) Answer questions
4) Project Choice for "The Blackout'


May 11, 2023
Students had an opportunity to complete any missing assignments.

May 10, 2023
Periods 5, 6, and 7 We watched The Phantom Tollbooth.

May 9, 2023
Periods 5, 6, and 7 we read and discussed "The Tiger Who Would Be King" and "The Ant and the Dove".

May 8-May 11
NJSLA Testing - Periods 1, 2, and 3
No IReady this week.

May 1-May 5
NJSLA Testing - Periods 1, 2, and 3
No IReady this week.

April 27, 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 9 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms"
2) Create the "All About Me Poem"
3) Create a concrete poem
4) Finish IReady



April 26, 2023

1) Do Now: A) Take out Unit 9 vocabulary words  B) Blooket to review Unit 9 words
2) Review Unit 9 vocabulary words
3) Discuss poetry types: haiku, concrete, and limerick
4) Meet the Authors of Poetry Collections 5 and 6
5) Read and discuss Poetry Collections 5 and 6
6) Answer Critical Thinking Questions on Poetry Collection 6
7) IReady - due on Friday



April 25, 2023
1) Do Now: What is imagery?
2) Meet the Authors
3) Read and discuss "who knows if the moon's" and "Dust of Snow"
4)Chart and questions.

April 24, 2023
1) Do Now: Copy Unit 9 words (due on Wednesday)
2) Earth Day Escape Room Challenge
3) IReady Reading - 45 minutes and two lessons

April 21, 2023

1) Do Now - Identify personification in the poem "The Little Corn Flakes"
2) Earth Day passage
3) Meet the Authors of Poetry Collection 4
4) Read and discuss Poetry Collection 4
5) Critical Thinking Questions for Poetry Collection 4




April 20 2023

1) Do Now: Review Unit 8 vocabulary words
2) Blooket to review words
3) Test on Unit 8 vocabulary words
4) Finish Poetry Collection 3 Critical Thinking Questions
5) Finish IReady 45 minutes and two lessons
6) Copy Unit 9 Vocabulary Words




April 19, 2023
1) Do Now: Worksheet on similes and metaphors
2) Meet the Authors
3) Read and discuss Poetry Collection 3
4) Identify similes, personification, and metaphors in Poetry Collection 3
5) Critical Thinking Questions for Poetry Collection 3
6) Study Unit 8 vocabulary words
7) IReady is due on Friday

April 18, 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 8 "Choosing the Right Word"
2) Blooket to review Unit 8 vocabulary words - test is Thursday
3) Review the terms simile and metaphor
4) Worksheet on identifying similes and metaphors.



April 17, 2023


Welcome Back!!  I hope everyone had a nice Spring Break.

1) Do Now: Vocabulary Warm-up Poetry Collection 2
2) Meet the Authors p.571
3) Read and discuss Poetry Collection 2
4) Answer Critical Thinking Questions
5) IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons



April 6 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 8 "Complete the Sentence" p. 105-106
2) Presentations on Jeopardy project choice
3) Finish IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons (due today).

Have a wonderful Spring Break!



April 5, 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 8 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms" p. 104-105
2) Presentations on Taking Sides project choice
3) Finish IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons




April 4, 2023
1) Do Now: Vocabulary Warm-up Poetry Collection 1
2) Meet the Authors p.563
3) Breakout group
4) Read and discuss poems in Poetry Collection 1
5) Worksheet on rhyming and repetition
6) Critical Thinking Questions for Poetry Collection 1

April 3, 2023
1) Do Now: Worksheet on poetry
2) Notes on poetry
3) Gary Soto poems
4) Questions on poems


March 31, 2023
1) Do Now: Did you and your partner put as much effort into the project as possible?  Explain.
2) Finish Taking Sides project
3) Finish iReady - 45 minutes and 2 lessons
4) Review Unit 8 vocabulary words.

March 30, 2023
1) Do Now: Did you work as well as you should have on Wednesday?  What should you do today?
2) Review Unit 8 vocabulary words.
3) Continue to work on Taking Sides project
4) IReady is due tomorrow.


March 29, 2023

1) Do Now: What is the most important  activity you should accomplish today for you project?
2) Select project
3) Plan for project
4) Finish any missing assignments



March 28, 2023
1) Do Now: What do you think may happen at the basketball game?
2) Review Taking Sides Chapters 9 and 10.
3) Read and discuss Chapters 11, 12, and 13.
4) Answer questions for Chapters 11, 12, and 13.-due tomorrow.
5) iReady Reading -My Path - 45 minutes and two lessons- due on Friday.
6) Unit 8 vocabulary words due on Thursday.


March 27, 2023
1) Do Now: Why did Lincoln think Franklin will win?
2) Review Taking Sides Chapters Chapter 7 and 8.
3) Read and discuss Chapters 9 and 10.
4) Answer questions.
5) IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons.

March 24, 2023

1)  Do Now: Has Lincoln’s life gotten better since he moved?
2) Read Chapters 7 and 8 from Taking Sides by Gary Soto.  ( Novels are in the classroom, but Chapters 7 to 8 are posted in Google Classroom.)
3) Answer ten text-dependent questions on Chapters 7 and 8.  (Questions are in Google Classroom.
4) Continue to copy Unit 8 vocabulary words. Page 100-102 in the Vocabulary Workshop book or located in Google Classroom.)
5) IReady weekly assignment - My Path 45 minutes and two lessons is due today.



March 23, 2023
I was absent on Tuesday and Wednesday.  All work was posted in Google Classroom.

1) Do Now: What is one conflict Lincoln has faced so far?
2) Review Taking Sides Chapters 1-4 
3) Read and discuss Chapters 5 and 6.
4) Answer questions.
5) Work on IReady and Unit 8 words


March 20, 2023
1) Do Now: Name some ways people are discriminated for.
2) CommonLit Assignment "Learning About the Holocaust"
3) View two video clips on survivors' stories.
4) Read and discuss the article.
5) IReady - My Path - 45 minutes and two lessons this week.

March 17, 2023 - Happy St. Patrick's Day

1) Do Now:  Work on iReady
2) Finish South Amboy Jeopardy Game
3) Complete any missing work.



March 16, 2023
1) Do Now: Worksheet on Point of View
2) Continue researching South Amboy - 5 influential people; 5 historical events
3) iReady - My Path - 45 minutes/ 2 lessons

March 15, 2023

1) Do Now: Review Unit 7 Vocabulary Words with a partner
2) Blooket to review Unit 7 words.
3) Test on Unit 7 words
4) Introduce Jeopardy Game
5) Start researching 



March 14, 2023

1) Do Now: Worksheet on point of view
2) Read and discuss "March 14-Pi Day"
3) Answer questions 
4) Big idea and supporting details for "March 14- Pi Day"
5) Work on iReady and any assignments not completed.



March 13, 2023
1) Do Now: Unit 7 "Choosing the Right Word"
2) Common Lit: a) "Women Who Spoke Up" and b) "Before Rosa Parks, There Was Claudette Colvin"
3) IReady for this week - My Path - 45 minutes and two lessons.
4) Unit 7 Vocabulary Test on Wednesday

March 10, 2023
1) Do Now Identify point of view for worksheet
2) Unit 7 - Complete the Sentence
3) Work on brochure for South Amboy
4) Finish IReady

March 9, 2023

1) Do Now: Point of View activity
2) Introduce South Amboy Brochure
3) Start to research
4) Finish IReady - 2 lesson and 45 minutes



March 8, 2023
1) Do Now: Open CommonLit assignment and complete writing warm-up on Frida Kahlo.
2) Read and discuss Frida Kahlo.
3) Answer intext questions and assessment questions.
4) IReady - My Path (2 lessons and 45 minutes).


March 7, 2023
1) Do Now: Main idea and supporting details worksheet
2) Presentations on Women's  History Month Projects
3) ReadWorks.org assignment: "Shirley Chisholm Runs for President"

March 6, 2023

1) Do Now:  Use the word persevere in a sentence.  Connect to one of the women you have researched.
2) Women's History Month Project Choice: finish researching and then create final product.  Choices: Museum, Timeline, Letter, Who Am I?, or Find My Pair.
3) Review Unit 7 vocabulary words with blooket.- links to three games are posted in Google Classroom.



March 3, 2023
1) Do Now: Unit 7, what does the word testimonial mean?
2) Discuss Women's History Math Project choice
3) Finish IReady.

March 2, 2023 
1) Do Now: Unit 7, use the word dissect in a sentence.
2) Read and discuss "Madame President?"
3) Answer questions
4) IReady -Analyzing Plot Development

Short session day tomorrow!

March 1, 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 7 "Synonyms and Antonyms"
2) Presentation on problem-solution activity choice
3) Finish IReady assignment



February 28, 2023
1) Do Now:  Do you think it is easy for people to start anywhere new"  Explain you r answer.
2) Problem-and-solution activity.
3) IReady Reading - teacher assigned lesson.

February 27, 2023
1) Do Now: What is a problem-solution essay?
2) Read and discuss CommonLit assignment on the Industrial Revolution.
3) Start to plan problem-solution activity on the topic new student to school.
4) Critical Thinking Questions for "from The Pigman and Me"

February 24, 2023
1) Do Now: Worksheet on Mood.
2) Finish reading and discussing "from The Pigman and Me"
3)  Answer Critical Thinking Questions.
4) IReady is due today.

February 23, 2023
1) Do Now: A) Take out Unit 7 words.  B) Use the word authorize in a sentence.
2) Review Unit 7 words.
3) Meet the Author Paul Zindel.
4) Read and discuss "from The Pigman & Me"

February 22, 2023

1) Do Now: Worksheet on Main Idea
2) LinkIt Progress Monitor: Navajo Code Talkers
3) Work on IReady assignment for this week - 45 minutes and two lessons based on "My Path".
4) Unit 7 vocabulary words are due tomorrow.



February 21, 2023
1) Do Now: Copy Unit 7 vocabulary words - due on Thursday
2) Main Idea worksheets
3) IReady - 45 minutes and two lessons - follow the lessons recommended for you.

February 17, 2023

1) Do Now: Review Unit 6 Vocabulary
2) Test on Unit 6
3) Continue to copy Unit 7
4) Identify main idea and supporting details for "Langston Terrace"
5) Worksheet activity for main idea of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.



February 16, 2023

1) Do Now: What does main idea mean?
2) Discuss "Langston Terrace"
3) Main Idea worksheet.



February 15, 2023

1) Students will read “Langston Terrace” by Eloise Greenfield p. 478-484.
2) Students will answer the Critical Thinking Questions on page 484
3) Students can start to copy Unit 7 words on page 90-92.
4) Unit 6 Test is on Friday.

February 14, 2023

1) Do Now: Review Unit 6 words.
2) Complete IReady Diagnostic
3) Crossword Puzzle on African American astronauts. 
4) Review Unit 6 words - test is on Friday.



February 13, 2023

1) Do Now: Review Unit 6 words with a partner.  Test will be on Friday.
2) Start the iReady Mid-year Diagnostic
3) Review Unit 6 with blooket.com (games posted last week) or vocabularyworkshop.com


February 10, 2023

1) Do Now: Use the word gross in a sentence.
2) Presentations
3) Finish Unit 6 "Choosing the Right Word"


February 9, 2023- Short Session Day -Afternoon Conferences

1) Do Now: Unit 6 "Choosing the Right Word"
2) Finish your research paper.  Due tomorrow by 8:00 am


February 8, 2023 - Short Session Day -Night Conferences

1) Do Now: What significant contribution has your person you are researching contributed to society?
2) Follow directions to set up bibliography/works cited page.
3) Create your bibliography/works cited page


February 7, 2023

1) Do Now: State something you found out about the person you are researching.
2) Follow directions to set up paper in MLA style
3) Continue to research your notable African American.


February 6, 2023

1) Do Now: Complete Unit 6 "Complete the Sentence"
2) Discuss research project
3) Students will start to gather information.


February 3, 2023
1) Do Now: Should Madame CJ Walker be honored? Explain.
2) Blooket- Unit 6
3) ReadWorks.org article "Muhammad Ali Takes on the Supreme Court"
4) Finish any missing assignments

February 2, 2023
1) Do Now: Unit 6 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms"
2) Read and discuss article on Madame CJ Breedlove Walker.
3) Complete any missing assignments.

February 1, 2023
1) Do Now: A) Take out Unit 6 words.  B) Use the word agenda in a sentence.
2) Review Unit 6 words
3) Review "The Shutout"
4) Answer the critical thinking questions for "The Shutout"
5) IReady assignment.

January 31, 2023

1) Do Now: Name two things Jackie Robinson had to endure.
2) Meet the Authors p. 427
3) Read and discuss "The Shutout"
4) Answer Critical Thinking Questions.
5) Finish copying Unit 6 words.  Due tomorrow.



January 30, 2023

1) Do Now: Vocabulary Warm-up "Jackie Robinson: Justice at Last"
2) Meet the Authors
3) Background for the story
4) Read and discuss the story
5) Answer Critical Thinking Questions


January 27, 2023

1) Complete the ReadWorks.org assignment "Excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from the Birmingham City Jail".  Make sure your open-ended questions are written in complete sentences with detail from the passage.
2) IReady assignment: "Building Sentence Comprehension: Understanding Literary Texts About a Character's Setting"
3) Continue to copy Unit 6 vocabulary words


January 26, 2023
1) Do Now: What was the author's purpose for writing "Hard as Nails"?
2) CommonLit assignment -"The 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing"
3) Copy Unit 6 vocabulary words - due on 2/1

January 25, 2023

1) Do Now: Take out Vocabulary Warm-up for "Hard as Nails"
2) Meet the Author Russell Baker p. 405
3) Read and discuss "Hard as Nails"
4) Answer Critical Thinking Questions
5) Finish The Miracle Worker Essay - due today
6) Start to copy Unit 6 vocabulary words


January 24, 2023

1) Do Now: Review Unit 5 vocabulary words
2) Blooket to review Unit 5.
3) Unit 5 Vocabulary Test
4) Vocabulary Warm-up worksheet for "Hard as Nails"
5) Finish movie review
6) Read "Hard as Nails"-silently
7) Finish any missing work


January 23, 2023

1) Do Now: Review notes on movie The Miracle Worker.
2) Start to write movie review. a) Times New Roman b) 12 point font size c) line spacing double d) tab indent paragraphs
3) Study for Unit 5 vocabulary test. (Test is tomorrow.)


January 20, 2023

1) Do Now:  How far should a family member go to find help for another family member? (Think about our story.)
2) Start to watch The Miracle Worker. (Disney version)
3) Make sure Unit 5 "Choosing the Right Word" and iReady assignment are completed.
4) All missing assignments are due by January 27.
5) Test on Unit 5 vocabulary words on Tuesday, January 24.


January 19, 2023
1) Do Now: Study Unit 5 words
2) Trust Walk - #communication
3) The Miracle Worker Test
4) Finish Unit 5 "Choosing the Right Word"
5) Finish IReady assignment.

January 18, 2023

1) Do Now: Unit 5 "Choosing the Right Word"
2) IReady assignment
3) There are two blookets to review concepts: a) The Miracle Worker b) Unit 5 Vocabulary words


January 17, 2023

1) Do Now: Answer Unit 5 "Complete the Sentence"
2) Linkit Benchmark B
3) IReady assignment for the this week
4) Complete any missing assignments, study for The Miracle Worker test - tomorrow, study Unit 5 vocabulary words - test next week


January 13, 2023

1) Do Now: Worksheet on The Miracle Worker, Act III vocabulary.
2) Read and discuss The Miracle Worker, Act III
3) Finish IReady 


January 12, 2023
1) Do Now: If you were Anne Sullivan, would you pack your suitcase and leave?  Why or why not?
2) Finish reading The Miracle Worker, Act II.
3) Answer questions
4) IReady assignment

January 11, 2023

1) Do Now- The Miracle Worker, Act II vocabulary worksheet
2) Turn in Act I questions
3) Read and discuss The Miracle Worker, Act II
4) IReady Building Sentence Comprehension: Understanding Literary Texts About Family


January 10, 2023
1) Do Now:  Worksheet on The Miracle Worker, Act II vocabulary.
2) Student Survey
3) Finish reading The Miracle Worker, Act I.
4) Start to read The Miracle Worker, Act II.

January 9, 2023
1) Do Now: Answer Unit 5 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms" p. 66-67.
2) Review The Miracle Worker, Act I pages 1-18 in the novel; page 1-10 on the pdf version.
3) Continue to read and discuss Act I.
4) Answer questions on Act I.

January 6, 2023
1) Do Now: Worksheet on Act I vocabulary
2) Review Act I, Scene 1.
3) Read and discuss The Miracle Worker.
4) Answer questions on the play.

January 5, 2023

1) Do Now: Worksheet on Act I vocabulary.
2) Anticipation Guide
3) Introduce characters
4) Start to read and discuss The Miracle Worker.

January 4, 2023

1) Do Now: a) Take out Unit 5 words.  b) Answer Vocabulary Warm-up for "Water"
2) Review Unit 5 words.
3) Meet the Author Helen Keller p. 397.
4) Read and discuss "Water" p. 398-402.
5) Answer Critical Thinking Questions for "Water" p.402.


January 3, 2023 - Happy New Year!  Welcome back!
1) Do Now: Give two things that are important to know in each situation: doing well in school, making new friends, and getting along with family members.
2) Review elements of nonfiction and author's purpose
3) Read excerpt "from Zlata's Diary"
4) Answer Critical Thinking Questions from the story.
5) Unit 5 vocabulary words are due tomorrow.

December 23, 2022 -Short Session Day
1) Do Now: Use the word in duration in a sentence.
2) Finish any assignments from the week: iReady, CommonLit, Help-Wanted Ad, etc.

Have a wonderful winter break!  Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!

December 22,2022
1) Do Now: Use the word eerie in a sentence.
2) Linkit Progress Monitor
3) Finish CommonLit, IReady, copying Unit 5 words, or any make-up work.

December 21, 2022
1) Do Now: What is the main idea of a selection?
2) CommonLit "Soccer Speaks Many Languages"
3) IReady - Assigned lesson

December 20, 2022
1) Do Now: Review Unit 4 words with a partner.
2) Test on Unit 4 vocabulary words
3) Finish Help Wanted-Ad
4) Start to copy Unit 5 vocabulary words

December 19, 2022
1) Do Now: a) Take out planning sheet for help wanted-ad. b) Make sure you have three items for each category.
2) Create help wanted-ad.
3) Test on Unit 4 words tomorrow.

December 16, 2022
1) Do Now: Blooket to review Unit 4 vocabulary words.
2) Discuss Help Wanted Ad for a babysitter for Junior.
3) Start to plan help wanted ad. Planning sheet due on Monday.  Project due on Tuesday.
4) Finish iReady - Central Idea and Unit 4 "Choosing the Right Word"

December 15, 2022
1) Do Now: Take out responses for plot of "The Tail"
2) Meet the Author
3) Read and discuss "The Tail"
4) Answer Unit 4 Choosing the Right Word"
5) Finish iReady assignments

December 14, 2022
1) Do Now: What are the main parts to a plot diagram?
2) Test on "The Sound of Summer Running" and "Eleven"
3) Read and take notes on "The Tail"
4) IReady assignment: Identifying Central Idea.

December 13, 2022

1) Do Now: Was Douglas determined to get what he wanted? Explain.
2) Meet the Author
3) Worksheet on symbolism
4) Finish iReady or Critical Thinking Questions
5) Practice Unit 4 words on blooket or vocabularyworkshop.com

Test on "The Sound of Summer Running" and "Eleven" on Wednesday.



December 12, 2022

1) Do Now: Worksheet on Symbolism
2) Unit 4 "Complete the Sentence"
3) Review "The Sound of Summer Running"
4) Critical Thinking Questions
5) iReady assigned lesson - Identifying Theme



December 9, 2022
1) Do Now: Worksheet on fact and opinion
2) Review Unit 4 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms"
3) Meet the Author for "The Sound of Summer Running"
4) Read and discuss "The Sound of Summer Running"
5) Finish any assignments from this week: Interview Slideshow, Critical Thinking Questions, assigned two iReady Lessons, and CommonLit Assignment.

December 8, 2022
1) Unit 4 ‘Synonyms” and “Antonyms’
2) Complete CommonLit assignment “Fish Cheeks”
3) Work on the second assigned iReady Lesson.

December 7, 2022
1) Do Now: a) Take out Unit 4 vocabulary words.  b) Do you think people are judged passed on their name?
2) Review Unit 4 words.
3) Discuss fact and opinion and tone.
4) Read and discuss "Names/Nombres"

December 6, 2022
1) Do Now: Use the word devastate in a sentence.
2) Finish presentations.
3) Worksheet on conclusions.
4) Complete individualized lesson on iReady-due today.
5) Finish copying Unit 4 words - due tomorrow.

December 5, 2022
1) Do Now: Copy Unit 4 vocabulary words
2) Present interview slideshow
3) iReady Reading

December 2, 2022
1) Do Now: Worksheet on verbs
2) Finish slideshow on your partner
3) Finish iReady
4) Continue to copy Unit 4 words

December 1, 2022
1) Do Now: What is one thing you want to learn about your partner?
2) Discuss project and rubric
3) Show exemplars
4) Students will interview partner

November 30, 2022
1) Do Now; Worksheet on past tense verbs.
2) Worksheet on verbs
3) Theme choice activity
4) Start to create questions for interview
5) IReady

November 29, 2022

1) Do Now: Review Unit 3 vocabulary words with a partner.
2) Blooket to review Unit 3 vocabulary words.
3) Copy Unit 4 vocabulary words p. 52-54
4) Notes on verbs
5) Complete Practice A and Practice B on p. 298.

November 28, 2022
1) Do Now: Vocabulary Warm-up for "The All-American Slurp"
2) Meet the Author
3) Read and discuss "The All-American Slurp"
4) Answer Critical Thinking Questions

November 23, 2022
1) Do Now: What does the word enigma mean?
2) Practice Unit 3 vocabulary words by playing blooket. Test on Tuesday.
3) Unit 3 "Choosing the Right Word"
4) Finish CommonLit assignment "Laura's Key"

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2022-Short Session Day
1) Do Now:  What does the bike represent for Becky?
2) CommonLit assignment: "Laura's Key"

November 21, 2022 - Short Session Day
1) Do Now: Name what each character, Becky and Janet, wants.
2) Answer Unit 3 "Complete the Sentence"
3) Finish questions on "Becky and the Wheels-and-Brake Boys" and "The Southpaw".

November 18, 2022
1) Do Now: What is a long-term goal you have for yourself?  What motivates you to work so hard for your goal?
2) Unit 3 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms"
3) Read and discuss "The Southpaw"
4) Answer questions on the stories. - due Monday
5) Finish iReady - due today

November 17, 2022
1) Reviewed Unit 3 vocabulary
2) Read and discussed "Becky and the Wheels-and Brake Boys"
3) Students worked on iReady.

November 16, 2022
1) Do Now:  What is a constellation?
2) Linkit Progress Monitor.
3) Finish copying Unit 3 vocabulary words
4) Finish iReady
5) Practice Unit 3 Vocabulary words on blooket.

November 15, 2022
1) Do Now: Literary Analysis worksheet for "Why Monkeys Live in Trees" and "The Case of the Monkeys That Fell From the Trees".
2) Venn Diagram
3) Finish Critical Thinking Questions
4) Reading Warm-up Worksheet for "Why Monkeys Live in Trees" and "The Case of the Monkeys That Fell From the Trees".

November 14, 2022
1) Do Now:  Continue to copy Unit 3 Vocabulary words
2) Review "Why Monkeys Live in Trees"
3) Read and discuss "The Case of the Monkeys That Fell From the Trees".
4) Critical Thinking Questions 
5) Work on iReady Reading - 45 minutes and two lessons due on Friday.

November 4, 2022
1) Do Now: Make a t-chart for "Why Monkeys Live in Trees".
2) Add details to the t-chart
3) Complete Venn Diagram worksheets
4) Finish Critical Thinking Questions and iReady
5) Continue copying Unit 3 vocabulary words.

November 3, 2022
1) Do Now: Vocabulary Warm-up for "Why Monkeys Live in Trees" and "The Case of the Monkeys That Fell From the Trees".
2) Meet the Authors p. 73
3) Read and discussed "Why Monkeys Live in Trees"
4) Answer Critical Thinking Questions for "Why Monkeys Live in Trees"
5) Work on this week's IReady assignment - 45 minutes and two lessons.

November 2, 2022

1) Do Now: Review Unit 2 words with a partner.
2) Test on Unit 2 Vocabulary Words
3) Make sure the CommonLit and Unit 2 "Choosing the Right Word" are completed.
4) Start to copy Unit 3 Vocabulary Words page 34-36
5) Complete iReady Reading - due on Friday.

November 1, 2022
1) Do Now: Do you think people can change?
2) Review Unit 2 words with blooket.
3) CommonLit Assignment: "Can People Change?"
4) Finish Unit 2 "Choosing the Right Word"
5) Work on iReady Reading - 45 minutes and 2 lesson
6) Closing: What is the central idea of the CommonLit passage?

October 31, 2022 - Happy Halloween!
1) Do Now: What do you need to do to complete the paragraph?
2) Finish collage and written paragraph
3) Complete Unit 2 "Choosing the Right Word"
4) Work on this week's iReady - 45 minutes and two lessons
5) Closing: What did you like/dislike about the collage project?

October 28, 2022
1) Do Now: A) Take out direction sheet. B) What steps should you take today to complete your project?
2) Review project for Tangerine.
3) Complete collage.
4) Start the writing piece.
5) Finish iReady or review Unit 2 vocabulary words.
6)  Closing: Were you able to complete the expectations you set for yourself at the beginning of class?

October 27, 2022
1) Do Now: What does perception mean?
2) Review Unit 2 "Complete the Sentence".
3) Discuss perception vs reality.
4) Start to work on collage choice.
5) Closing: Why did you select the project idea?

October 26, 2022
1) Do Now: Review for Tangerine test with a partner.
2) Blooket review game on Tangerine.
3) Answer Unit 2 "Complete the Sentence"
4) Test next week on Unit 2 vocabulary words.
5) Work on this week's iReady - 45 minutes and two lessons.
6) Closing: Which question did you find difficult on the test?

October 25, 2022
1) Do Now: Which character do you think has changed the most in Tangerine? Explain.
2) Finish reading and discussing Tangerine.
3) Test on Tangerine tomorrow.
4) Closing: Was the ending what you expected?

October 24, 2022

1) Read Tangerine Diary Entries: Friday, December 1 to Sunday, December 3, Later (pages 252-277 new book; pages 245-269 old book; pdf version pages 154-168)
2) Answer Unit 2 "Synonyms" and "Antonyms"  p. 28-29. (Located in Google Classroom.)
3) IReady Reading - 45 minutes and two lessons.



October 21, 2022
1) Do Now: Describe an experience or event that proved to be a turning point in your own life.  What new understanding did you gain about yourself and/or about the world around you?
2) Read and discuss Tangerine  Diary Entries: Friday November 24 to Friday December 1.
3) Complete writing activity in Google Classroom.
4) Finish this week's iReady.
5) Closing:  What is going to happen next?

October 20, 2022
1) Do Now: Do you think going to Tangerine was beneficial for Paul? Explain.
2) Read and discuss Tangerine. (Diary Entries: Monday, November 20 to Friday, November 24)
3) Answer written response.
4) Closing: Why will Paul's dad be mad if he does not go to the football game?

October 19, 2022

1) Do Now: Explain how Paul's relationship with Joey has changed.
2) Read and discuss Tangerine.
3) Finish written response and iReady.
4) Closing: What did Paul mean by "It sure was," after his mom said, "That was some bus ride."?
October 18, 2022
1) Do Now: When do you think Paul first feels like a War Eagle? Explain.
2) Read and discuss Tangerine.
3) Written response
4) Closing: What do you think will happen next?
October 17, 2022
1) Do Now: How do you think Erik will react to what happened to him during the football game?
2) Read and discuss Tangerine.
3) iReady Reading assignment - 45 minutes and two lessons.
4) Closing: Should Paul have told his mom why Joey does not want to come over to the house? Explain. October 14, 2022

1) Do Now: A) Take out Unit 2 words. B) Do you think Mr. and Mrs. Fischer treat their children differently? Explain.
2) Review Unit 2 vocabulary words.
3) Read and discuss Tangerine.
4) Closing: Give one example of Paul's humor.


October 13, 2022
1) Do Now: Would you rather be friends with Erik or Paul? Why?
2) Read and discuss Tangerine.
3) Finish copying Unit 2 words or iReady weekly assignment. (Due tomorrow)
4) Closing: Identify one place in the novel where suspense/tension build. October 12, 2022
1) Do Now: Do you think Paul not being allowed to play soccer because of his IEP was appropriate? Explain.
2) Read and discuss Tangerine.
3) Questions on novel reading.
4) Closing: What conflicts do you predict will occur within the family?
October 11, 2022
1)
Continue reading and discussing Tangerine p. 52/53 in the novel (page 35 on pdf listed in Google Classroom)  Read “Diary entries Wednesday, September 6 to Friday, September 8"
2) Answer
questions about the novel’s reading for the day. “Diary entries Wednesday, September 6 to Friday, September 8
3)
Continue to copy Unit 2 vocabulary words
4)
Work on this week’s iReady Reading - 45 minutes and two lessons


October 7, 2022
1) Do Now: Do you think Paul will make a connection to what happened to him when he was younger? Explain. 2) Read and discuss Tangerine.
3) Make sure all work is completed: Vocabulary Test, CommonLit, and iReady weekly assignment.
4) Closing: What is one important lesson you learned from today's reading?

October 6, 2022
1) Do Now: Review Unit 1 Vocabulary Words.
2) Complete Unit 1 Vocabulary Test
3) Start to copy Unit 2 vocabulary words p. 24-26
4) Read the novel
5) Closing: Which vocabulary word did you have difficulty with?

October 5, 2022
1) Day 3 of Start Strong
2) Students will finish CommonLit assignment. (Located in Google Classroom)
3) IReady Reading - 45 minutes and 2 lessons due on Friday.
4) Unit 1 Vocabulary Test will be on Thursday.

October 4, 202
1) Day 2 of Start Strong
2) Students will work on CommonLit assignment. (Located in Google Classroom)
3) IReady Reading - 45 minutes and 2 lessons due on Friday.
4) Unit 1 Vocabulary Test will be on Thursday.

October 3, 2022
Start Strong Testing begins today.
Students will work on this week's iReady Reading. - 45 minutes and two lessons

September 30. 2022
1) Do Now: Do you think Paul will make friends easily at his new school? Why?
2) Review Unit 1 vocabulary words with Blooket. Test on Thursday, October 6.
3) Read and discuss Tangerine.
4) Closing: What important lesson did you learn from today's reading?

September 29, 2022
1) Do Now:  Is it a family member's responsibility to protect other family members?  Why?
2) Answer Unit 1 "Choosing the Right Word" (graded assignment)
3) Start to read and discuss Tangerine.
4) Closing: What do you think will happen next?


September 28, 2022

1) Students will finish reading "The Drive-In Movies".
2) Students will answer Critical Thinking Questions for the story. (Answer in Google Classroom)
3) Students will work on a weekly iReady Reading assignment - 45 minutes and two lessons.

September 27, 2022
1) Do Now:  Name two things that were in the past that may not be around anymore.
2) Vocabulary Warm-up worksheet
3) Discuss narrator and point of view.
4) Meet the Author: Gary Soto
5) Start to read and discuss "The Drive-In Movies".
6) Closing: Question on key concept: point of view.

September 26, 2022
1) Do Now: What does the word ingenious mean?
2) Answer "Complete the Sentence" for Unit 1
3) Annotate, read, and discuss "The Life of Cesar Chavez".
4) Answer questions about Cesar Chavez.
5) Closing: Why is Cesar Chavez important?

September 23, 2022
1) Do Now: What are some of the struggles the three Latino Americans experienced?
2) Select one of the three Latino Americans to write a brief essay on 
3) Finish iReady - 45 minutes and two lessons.
4) Closing - What is one thing you learned about the person you are writing about?

September 22, 2022 (Short Session Day)
1) Do Now: Write two challenges Latino Americans faced when they came to the United States.
2) Video on Lin-Manuel Miranda, Judy Reyes, and Jose Hernandez.
3) Take notes during video.
4) Closing: Did you find anything similar with each person's experience?  Explain.

September 21, 2022
1) Do Now: Who are Latino Americans?
2) Answer "Synonyms" and "Antonyms" for Unit 1 words, p. 18-19. (Not graded)
3) Graphic Organizer for video on Latino Americans- fill in preconception before viewing video.
4) Watch video - complete the graphic organizer
5) Closing: Name two things you learned from the video.

September 20, 2022
1) Do Now:  What is a strategy to help relieve stress before a test?
2) LinkIt Benchmark - students will finish today.
3) IReady Reading weekly assignment - 45 minutes and two lessons.
4) Blooket game to practice Unit 1 vocabulary words.  Link is in Google Classroom.
5) Closing: What did you find difficult on the test?


September 19, 2022
1) Do Now:  How do you feel when taking a test?
2) LinkIt Benchmark - students will start today.
3) IReady Reading weekly assignment - 45 minutes and two lessons.
4) Closing: What did you find difficult on the test?

September 16, 2022
1) Do Now:  What do you think might happen next?
2) Finish reading and discussing "Stray".
3) Create a plot diagram for "Stray" with a partner or two.
4) Complete iReady lesson for this week.
5) Summer Reading is due today.
6) Closing: Did Doris's father make the right decision?

September 15, 2022
1) Do Now: A) Take out Unit 1 vocabulary words. B) Identify two differences between fiction and nonfiction.
2) Review Unit 1 vocabulary words with vocabularyworkshop.com.
3) Introduce the Reading Skill: Make Prediction and Literary Analysis: Plot
4) Discuss our author and background for the story.
5) Start to read and discuss the story "Stray".
6) Students started to fill out plot diagram for "Stray".
7) Closing: What is another name for exposition?

September 14, 2022
1) Do Now:  What do the terms fiction and nonfiction mean?
2) Review textbook
3) Discussed the big question for Unit 1: "How do we decide what is true?"
4) Notes on Unit 1: Fiction and Nonfiction.
5) Worksheet identifying genre for paragraphs.
6) Closing: Give an example of fiction? 

September 13, 2022
1) Do Now:  What is a strategy you can use to help you read well?
2)  Students will finish the iReady Diagnostic.
3) Students will continue to copy Unit 1 vocabulary words. (due on Thursday)
4) iReady Reading Assignment - complete 45 minutes and two lessons (due on Friday)
5) Closing: What strategy do you use to help you read?


September 12, 2022
1) Do Now:  Why is it important to read well?
2)  Students will start the iReady Diagnostic.
3) Students will continue to copy Unit 1 vocabulary words.
4) Closing: How can you become a better reader?

September 9, 2022
1) Do Now: What is a hero?
2) Review The New Yorker magazine cover from October 29, 2001
3) Students created a thank you letter or drawing for first responders of 9/11.
4) Students had time to complete any other assignments.
5) Closing - Review why are first responders important?

September 8, 2001
1) Do Now: List the thins you learned about 9/11/2001
2) Research with a partner - (Links in Google Classroom)
3) Create a three paragraph essay: A) Introduction B) Ways things have changed since 9/11/2001 c) Conclusion - state your opinion.
4) Closing: Identify two new things you learned about 9/11/2001

September 7, 2022
1) Do Now: List What you know about what happen on September 11, 2001?
2) Discussion about 9/11/2001
3) Join ReadWorks.org Classroom
4) ReadWorks.org article "Always Remember"
5) Start to copy Unit 1 vocabulary words from Vocabulary Workshop book. (Words are in Google Classroom also. Due on 9/15.)


September 6, 2022
1) Do Now: What is something you are looking forward to this year?
2) Played Four Corners
3) Reviewed guidelines, class rules, grading policy, and course syllabus.
4) Students filled out a worksheet "Get to Know Classmates".
5) Students completed a "Let the Teacher Know Me" worksheet.
6) Closing: One thing the students found interesting today.

September 5, 2022


I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. I look forward to meeting all of the students on September 6. If you need to contact me, please email me at [email protected]