ELA 8 - Week 3

   Monday  9-18    A-Day:  Finish the ELA 8 Pre-Assessment       




   TUESDAY   9-19    B-Day:  Active Reading Part II        


     Announcements     

• Check your Gmail!
• Get your Chromebook
• Bring in a book to read for independent reading on Friday!
• Start your Do Now

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     DO Now - Interactive Website               

Go to THIS SITE  and practice identifying sentence fragments until Mr. DeGrandis starts class.  Be sure to click on GET AN EXPLANATION so you learn why you were correct or incorrect.  There are 20 questions.

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     Learning Target(s)     

• I know how to complete a an Active Reading assignment.
• I know what the expectations are for DIRT Day.

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     Mini-Lesson:  DIRT Day?  What the...       

 
• What is DIRT Day?
• How do I complete an Active Reading assignment?
• Are there expectations for DIRT Day?
• What novels are acceptable?

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     Work Time                            

 

• Finish Assignment 12.0 in Google Classroom.

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     Assessment / Homework                       

• • Turn in Assignment 12.0 for a grade by the end of the period done or not.

   WEDNESDAY   9-20    C-Day:  Active Reading & DIRT Day Assessment        

Complete Assignment 13.0 in Google Classroom for a Grade and Turn In by the end of the period.

   THURSDAY   9-21    D-Day:  Genius Hour!          

     Announcements                                      

• Check your Gmail!
• What is your grade on your first TREES essay of the year?
• Respond to an email sent from Mr. DeGrandis.

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     DO Now - Login to ReadWorks              

• Go to www.readworks.org/student
• Sign in with your Google account.
• Enter your class code (see below) for your period according to the chart...

These articles are full of knowledge! You will learn new and important things by reading them.

You will not know many of the things you read about. That’s great! Reading is one way you can learn new things. And when you learn some new things, it gets easier to learn even more new things!

Maybe you will already know some of the things in these articles. That’s great also. When you read more about the things you already know, you will increase your own vocabulary. This will help you to understand new, big ideas.

Finally, you will become a stronger reader by reading these articles. You will be able to read for longer periods of time.

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     Learning Target(s)     

• I can access ReadWorks, an awesome reading website that will help me become an even more awesome reader!
• I can explain what 20% Time is to someone who has never heard about it.

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     Mini-Lesson:  What the Heck is Genius Hour?                           

 
• Go to Google.com and type in "20% Time" or "Genius Hour"
• In a small group or alone...
• Find any article, video or website about 20% Time.
• You will present your findings to the class for a raffle ticket!
• Check out this Presentation on Genius Hour
• Here's one for Parents and Teachers
• 
  

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     Work Time                                             

 

• Spend the rest of the period discussing and brainstorming your most awesome and fantastic ideas! 
  
• Want to get a jump on it?  The next step will be to create a proposal that you will present to the class for their input.

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     Assessment / Homework                                  

• • Bring a novel you have never read to school tomorrow for independent reading time!

   FRIDAY   9-22    A-Day:  DIRT DAY!              

DIRT Day Expectations

1. Do the following BEFORE the bell rings…
1. Open your DIRT Day Assignment in Google Classroom.
2. Be in your seat reading.
2. Focus on your reading the entire period.
3. Do not sub-vocalize during DIRT.
4. Complete 10 thoughts using the Active Reading Model by the end of the period. Do more for extra credit.

If You Finish a Book…

In an email to Mr. DeGrandis, write a review about your book in 3-paragraph essay format.

Guidelines for the Essay:

• ¶ 1 - title, author and genre of the novel and your opinion of the book (controlling idea).
• ¶ 2 - short summary of the book and include at least two text-based examples from the book
         that support your controlling idea in ¶
• ¶ 3 - explain why you would or would not recommend this book to a friend and where they might be able to find it or purchase it.

If You Forgot Your Book…

• Choose a book from the class library or Mr. DeGrandis will give you one.
• Be sure to bring your book next week.

If You Want to Switch Books…

In an email to Mr. DeGrandis, write an Abandon Book Essay.

Guidelines:

• ¶ 1 – title, author and genre of the novel you are abandoning and
          three reasons you don’t like the book (controlling idea).
• ¶ 2 through 4 - Develop each reason using text-based details from the book.
• ¶ 5 - Offer your suggestions for other novels you have read that another student might enjoy.

ELA 8 - Week 2

   MONDAY  9-11   D-Day:  Setting Up Your Digital Passbook & Posting Good Comments      

     Announcements     

• Get out your Course Criteria Sheet to hand in.
• Get your Chromebook
• Start your Do Now

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     DO Now - Read and Post a Response          


1. Read the following advice about writing good comments on a blog...

How to Leave Meaningful Blog Comments

By: dmatriccino | February 22, 2011 

Leaving meaningful comments

Leaving meaningful comments on others’ blogs or sites is a good way to attract attention to your own site, so it’s helpful to be consistent in your approach and tone. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Don’t be a drive-by shooter. This is where you post a quick criticism like, “I don’t agree; this isn’t my experience.” This doesn’t really engage in a conversation or offer something meaningful to other readers or commenters. It IS helpful to offer an alternative viewpoint, so take the time to elaborate on it.
2. Put your comments in context. Most people won’t know who you are when you’re commenting. So it’s helpful to relate something about your background, experience, or POV on issues.
3. To really impress, offer a targeted resource. Some of the best comments I’ve ever received pointed me to a very specific blog post or resource that I hadn’t seen before.
4. Ask questions. If you didn’t understand something that was discussed, there’s a good chance someone else didn’t understand either. So bring it up in the comments. Get clarification. Most people love the chance to elaborate, or they can address the question in a new blog post.
5. When views differ, look for common ground. To maintain goodwill wherever you go, it’s helpful to look for areas where you agree with a person. While we can all say (in theory) that we’re open to disagreement and criticisms, it still helps immensely to figure out where thoughts and beliefs align.

2.  Go into Google Classroom and post a comment to Question 10.0.

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     Learning Target(s)     

• I can respond to a blog post and create a Google Doc in my Composition Notebook.

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     Mini-Lesson:  Your Digital Composition Book and Digital Passbook     

 
• 
  
• How to access your My Passcode Book (This is where you will record all the websites, IDs and pass codes you will use in English Class.)

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     Work Time       

 

• Fill out the Student Info Form.
• Finish responding to Question 10.0.
• Complete Assignment 11.0 in Google Classroom.  Do not turn this in!
• WHEN YOU FINISH:  Learn About Diagramming Sentences with this cool interactive site. Just click the next button once the page loads.

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     Assessment / Homework       

• • Show Mr. DeGrandis your My Passcode Page in your Composition Notebook.
  • You do not have to turn in this assignment.  

   TUESDAY    9-12   A-Day:  Active Reading Strategy Part I    Periods 1, 2, 4   Period 6: Town Meeting   

     Announcements     

• Check your Gmail everyday!
• Bring in a book to read for independent reading on Friday!

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     DO Now - Copy                   

Entry Title: Vocabulary List I

COPY this entry into a new page in your Digital Composition Book!  Click here for an example of how it might look....

1.   brazen adj. – (brazenly) exaggerated fearlessness or boldness

     Example:  James made several brazen attempts to cross the busy street on his tricycle, but he chickened out every time.

2.   deftly adv. – (deft) to move in a quick and skillful manner

     Example:  The crowd roared with  applause when Alisha finished her deftly executed routine.

3.   fetish n. – an abnormal attention or attachment

     Example:  Jeremy had an abnormal,  childish fetish for sucking his thumb, even though he was fourteen years old.

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     Learning Target(s)     

I understand how to use the active reading strategy for independent reading.

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     Mini-Lesson:  Active Reading Parts I: A Metacognitive Thing...     

 
• Start a new page in your Digital Composition Notebook and give it the title above...
• Be ready to take some notes on this presentation...
• What is Active Reading and How Do I Do It?
  Watch this presentation to understand how to use the active reading strategy to improve your reading comprehension.

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     Work Time       

 

• Download the short story, Checkouts by Cynthia Rylant.  
  
  
  
• Mr. DeGrandis will model how to Actively Read using Assignment 12.0 in Google Classroom.

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     Assessment / Homework                      

• 1. Work on Assignment 12.0.  You will have until the end of the period Thursday to complete this assignment.
  2. Bring in your favorite book to read for next week.  If you don't have one, Mr. DeGrandis will give you a book to read from the class library.  Let's hope you like it! 

   WEDNESDAY   9-13    B-Day:  ELA Pre-assessments Periods 1, 2, 4  Period 6: Active Reading Part I       




   THURSDAY  9-14    C-Day:  Period 1, 2, 6  Finish ELA Pre-assessment, Period 4: Town Meeting     



   FRIDAY   9-15    D-Day:  Periods 1, 2: Town Meeting,  Periods 4, 6  Finish Pre-Assessment ELA Testing       

ELA 8 - Week 1

   WEDNESDAY   9-6    A-Day:  Introductions and Course Criteria     

     Announcements     

Go Ahead and Get Started!

1. Pick your seat.
2. Grab a large index card, handout & a couple markers from the BLACK Cart.

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     DO Now - Create a Name Tent       

Fold the index card in half and write your name, period and something you say A LOT on it! Be creative but make sure your name is big and easy to read from a distance!

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     Learning Target(s)     

• I know who my teacher is and how I can explain how to earn an A+ in this class! 

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     House Keeping        

1. Attendance! Who can help?
2. Seating Chart.
3. Your Schedule.
4. Course Criteria Sheet and Field Trip.
5. Medical Form.
6. Tardy Policy.
7. Beverage Policy.
8. Internet Policy.

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     Mini-Lesson:  Introductions All Around      

 
• Who is your English Teacher? presentation.
• Who are You? 
• Where are you? A classroom tour!
• How can you demonstrate your power as a learner in this classroom, school and community by being a creative genius?

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     Work Time       

 

• None

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     Assessment / Homework       

• • Have your Course Criteria Sheet signed by Monday.
  • Have your Field Trip Medical Form filled out.
  • 
    

   THURSDAY  9-7    B-Day:  Your Paperless Classroom!     

     Announcements     

• Attention Attendance Helpers!  Please remember to take attendance!  Thanks!
• Sit in the seat you selected yesterday.
• Set up your name tent so your teacher can see it.
• Begin the Do Now below.

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     DO Now - Screen Time        

On the back of your name tent, write down all of your favorite sites, apps, social media, gaming, and anything else that requires you to look through a screen to access it (cell phone, TV, laptop, notebook, etc...). Be prepared to share one with the class and why it brings you good vibes! Here are some of mine...

Snapchat, Evening News, Bill Maher, Netflix (Various Shows), Woot.com, BrainHoney.net, Facebook, The Daily Chive, Twitter, Weather Bug, Daily Horoscope, DI Radio, Facebook, Huffington Post, Google Calendar, Dish Network, Netflicks, Hulu Plus, Apple TV, Wii, Skyward Sword, Fit Brains, Tumblr, Nike Running, Pandora, CVS Pharmacy, EverTube, Instagram, Common Core, Podcasts, Crossfader, MixMiester, Garage band, Acorns, Mindfulness, iTunes, Fandango, What's App, SkyView, M&T Bank, AFCU

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     Learning Target(s)     

• I know what a Chromebook is and how to take care of and store it.
• I know what Chrome OS is and how to personalize it.
• I know how to log into my Chromebook from anywhere!

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     House Keeping        

1. Attendance! Who can help?
2. Did you read and have your Course Criteria Sheet signed?
3. Please ask your parents to email me for extra credit.

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     Mini-Lesson:  Welcome to Your Paperless Classroom!     

 
• Watch this presentation on Introducing Your Chromebook!

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     Work Time       

 

• Get your very own class Chromebook!
• Find two more videos about using a Chromebook or Chrome OS.
• Just type in "Tips on Using Chrome OS" and select videos.
• Change your wallpaper.
• Add your profile picture to your account.
• Log in to Google Classroom.
• Arrange your Chromebook Apps.

If you find something really cool, let me know!

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     Assessment / Homework       

• • Have your Course Criteria Acknowledgement Form signed or just have your parents email me for extra credit by Monday!

   FRIDAY  9-8    C-Day:  Google Classroom       


     Announcements     

• Are you an Attendance Helper?  Please take attendance now.

• Set up your Name Tent so your teacher can see it.
• Begin the Do Now below.

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     DO Now - Personalize Your Chromebook     

Open your Chromebook and do the following if you haven't done so yet...

1. Change your background wallpaper.
2. Add your picture to your account profile.
3. Arrange your Chromebook Apps.
4. Go to Google Play and type the word student in the search box at the top of the page.
5. Download one app that you think is interesting.

TIP:  If you don't know how to do any of these things then do a search for a How To video and learn how to do it!
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     Learning Target(s)     

• I can sign in to Google Classroom, Post a Comment and Turn In a simple assignment.

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     Mini-Lesson:  Google Classroom Basics       

 

Watch this video:  Google Classroom Basics

Type in the code for your period when you click on "Join a Class."

Period 1: t9tubdp

Period 2: d9fvjo

Period 4: d7sqy5
Period 5AC: 2w1bjf

Period 5BD:  anb98yf

Period 6:  gv38mg

     

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     Work Time       

 

• Click on the Stream tab.
• Complete Assignment #10.0 in Google Classroom and click TURN IN by tonight at 11:59pm.
  TIP:  DId you know you can download Google Docs and Google classroom to your pohone and do your homework on the fly?  Ask me how!

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     Assessment / Homework       

• • Complete Assignment 10.0 in the Stream!  Not done? Submit it by Sunday 11:59PM.