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Week 3: Projects, we can all be artists

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This week we have met our group members and have chosen our books.  I handed out the group project rubrics. We've spent the last ten minutes of each class brainstorming ideas on how each group wants their project to take shape.   The following items are included on the rubric for this project: Elements of a Story : Students will explain each element of their book on this poster.   Creativity : How creative are your ideas and the project?  Did the group look at one of the examples in the room and copy it or did they create an original work?   Organization : Is the group's poster easy to understand?  Is the information organized in sections? Is the poster well put together or is everything just thrown on there randomly? Grammar: Points are awarded for correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Group Participation: Each group member will give points to the other group members for group participation.  Did each member finish their assigned section?  How did each member contrib
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Week Two: Here we GO!

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This week are diving into the elements of a story. There are many elements to a story, depending on the type of story or narrative you are working with.  We will be focusing on Main Character, Plot, Theme, Setting, Conflict, and Resolution.  Most students have touched on these in fifth grade; this is when we really learn what these elements are all about. I'm going to give a brief description in this post so you can refer to it as needed. There is also a link to the right that can help you should you need it. Main Character : All characters in a story play an important role. We are wanting to focus on the main character in this unit.  What makes them the main character?  What are their character traits?  How do their character traits affect the plot?  Plot : A plot is the sequence of events that shape a broader narrative. It's a series of cause-and-effects that really creates the whole story. Theme : The theme is what the author is trying to convey.  It is the central idea of t
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Week One: Hellos and Missouri Truman Book Award Nominees So we've spent a couple days getting to know each other. It helps me to know your interests and strengths as we begin the year.  This knowledge helps me when we start group projects and when I assign reading books.  Most importantly, knowing these things helps me to have better conversations with you as a student.  I love getting to know all my students and who they are as individuals. This week we talked about our first Reading Unit.  I call this one "Good Reads."  Truman Book Award Nominees are chosen for many reasons.  I have always felt starting off the school year reading one of these books sets a positive tone for the class.  We discussed each book briefly in class this week.  I set up students in groups for the unit.  Then each group voted and chose their book.   In this unit we are going to learn about and discuss finding the main characters, the plots, the theme, the setting, the conflicts, the resolution.
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What are we doing here?

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  So you found this blog. That's a pretty good start. Now let's figure out why you are here.  I'm guessing you are in one of my middle school reading classes.  Or your that you have a student that is.  Maybe you are a new teacher desperately looking for ideas to get your year planned.  Whatever the reason, I'm glad you are here. At least once a week I will post a review of what we've been doing in class.  Some weeks I'll have two or three posts, others it will only be the one.  There will also be guests posts from other English and Reading teachers throughout the year. I may even post bonus point opportunities in this space as well. As students, this is a place where you can review what we've been discussing in class.  You are welcome, and encouraged, to comment on any post with your thoughts. Conversations are an important part of daily life and I welcome them here in this space. As always, I will request that you are open-minded as you read others' com
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