"Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros

Meet the Author: Sandra Cisneros  Today we are going to begin reading the short story "Eleven" by the acclaimed Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros. As a writer, Cisneros has often drawn on her childhood memories of her Spanish-speaking neighborhood in Chicago. Cisneros remembers being shy in school. "I never opened my mouth," she remembers, "except when the teacher called me, the first time I'd speak all day." She also remembers often feeling overlooked and misunderstood, which are feelings you may notice represented in the fictional character of Rachel in "Eleven." Before we read, listen to Cisneros share a few memories of her childhood in the video below. 

Analyzing Character Traits in "Eleven"  As we read "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros together, your job is to pay very close attention to the characters and their traits in the story. You can determine a character's traits by, among other things, paying close attention to their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Today you will analyze the main characters in "Eleven" and their traits using the document that has been placed in your Language Arts folders. You may also find a link to the document here. (The reading selection can be found on pages 26-29 of your Language of Literature textbook.)   

Homework  Read your A.R. book at home for at least 30 minutes and make a digital Reading Log entry. (Remember that your reading log has been placed in your Language Arts folders. If for some reasons you need to make a copy of the reading log, you can find a link to it here.)  

Goal-Setting, Reading Log and Library Visit

Warm Up: Newsela  Please visit Newsela today and login. Click on your "Binder" and locate the article entitled "One study says it cooler to be uncool." Make sure the reading level is set to 740L. Read the article carefully and then take the quiz. If you finish early, you may read any other Newsela article of your choosing.    

Accelerated Reader Goal-Setting (Continued)  As you work on your Newsela article, I will continue to call up students to my desk to share reading data and set Accelerated Reader goals for the quarter.   

Overview of Class Syllabus  A syllabus is an overview of a class's policies. You can find a copy of your Language Arts syllabus in your Language Arts folder. Today we will briefly spend some time going over the syllabus. Please review the syllabus with your parents. You can also find a link to the syllabus here.      

Introduction to our Reading Log  A requirement for this course is that you are reading from your selected A.R. book regularly. You are required to read at least 30 minutes a day Monday thru Thursday and at least one additional 30 minute plus session on either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.  Your five reading log entires will be recorded on your digital reading log, which has been placed in your Language Arts folders. If you need to make a copy of the reading log, you can find the link to it here. You are also required to have your parents or guardians verify that you are reading by having them type their initials in the last column of the reading log. I will be checking and grading reading logs on Mondays.   

Library Visit   We are heading over to the library today to select your first batch of Accelerated Reader books. You may pick out any book you want as long as it is within your ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) and an appropriate color level. Remember, you don't want a book that's too easy or too hard; rather, you want a book that "just right" for you. Most importantly, you want to find a book that's interesting and that you are passionate about reading. Make sure your A.R. book is always with you because there will be times when you'll have the opportunity to read, write, and discuss your book in class.  

Homework  (1.) Read your A.R. book at home for at least 30 minutes and make a digital Reading Log entry.  (2.) Review 'Context Clues' because we may have a quiz tomorrow.   

Star Reading Test and Goal-Setting

Video of the Day  Aloha Friday! Need a little video pep talk? Kid President has one for all of us. Enjoy!  

Star Reading Test  Today we are going to take the Star Reading Test which is going to help provide a sense of what your current reading level is. Once we determine your reading level we will better be able to match you up with engaging books that are just right for you. Make sure you do your very best. Read carefully and use your new context clues strategy. Good luck! You can find a link to the test here.  

Accelerated Reader Goal-Setting  Once you know what your reading level is, you will have a better idea of what level books you should be reading and what an appropriate reading goal would be for you for the quarter. I will be meeting with you during this time to discuss your reading level, "just right" books levels, and to decide on your A.R. goal. We will use a chart like the one below to help us in the process. 

You will then record your personalized reading data and goal on the goal-setting document I've placed in your Language Arts folders. You can also find a link to the document here. If I don't have time meet with you today, we will make time next week.  

Independent Work Time  If you finish your Star Test early and/or are waiting to meet with me to discuss your data, you may either work on any assignments that you need to complete or you may continue to practice working with context clues using the link here. We will be having a 'Context Clues Quiz' sometime early next week.  

Newsela and Context Clues

Warm Up: Newsela  Today we are going to begin using a new online reading program called Newsela, which features engaging informative nonfiction articles at your reading level. After reading the day's article (today's is entitled 'In Crete, an ancient city is uncovered') take the accompanying quiz to check your understanding. To get started, go to the link here and get registered using the following codes: 2nd Period - VRIJW, 3rd Period - HLZYC, and 5th Period - FALFU. Make sure you create a username and password that you can remember. Good luck!

Context Clues (Day 2)  Let's continue to practice learning how to use context clues as a strategy to figure out the meaning of unknown words. To begin, let's listen to a musical tribute to the wonders of context clues by checking out the video below.  

Now let's practice using context clues by exploring the activities here and here.  

Finally, let's have some fun with context clues by playing some online games here and here.  

Homework  Please complete your Language Arts assignments from the week, which includes your 'Learning to Read Story' and 'Context Clues Assignment.' I will begin grading these assignments and entering scores into the Gradebook tomorrow, Friday, August 22.   

Context Clues

Writing Warm-Up  Good morning! We've read Thank You, Mr. Falker and learned about Trisha's struggles to learn to read. What is your story of learning to read? What do you remember about your journey to becoming a reader? How do you feel about yourself as a reader now? Use the document in your Language Arts folder in your Google Drive entitled 'Learning to Read Story' to share your experiences and feelings. This assignment should be completed by Friday, August 22.  

Introduction to Context Clues When you are reading and you come across a word you don't know, what do you do? The answer I hear from too many kids is "I skip it." Did you know that there is a vocabulary tool and reading strategy that can magically help you figure out the meanings of unknown words? Today we are going to learn how 'Context Clues' can help you unlock the meaning of words you thought you didn't know and help make you a much more empowered and successful reader.

So, what are 'Context Clues' exactly? Read the explanation below to find out.  

Next, watch below as Tim and Moby from BrainPop further introduce and explain how context clues work.
  

Now let's practice together. Work with the members of your team to figure out the words in bold below by by paying attention to the context clues in red.  

To continue, watch how context clues could have helped the young man in the video below.  

Finally, I want you to continue to practice using context clues by completing the 'Context Clues' assignment I've placed in your Language Arts folders.  

Homework  (1.) Continue working on your 'Learning to Read' story. (2.) Complete 'Context Clues' assignment.   

Rights, Responsibilities, Rules, and Expectations

Rights and Responsibilities  As citizens and as members of this classroom community we have both rights and responsibilities. For example, we have the right to learn but we also have a responsibility to work hard. What do you you think some of our classroom rights and responsibilities should be? Share your ideas on one of our class Padlet walls: Period 2 here, Period 3 here, and Period 5 here.  

Classroom Rules, Procedures, and Expectations  How should we enter the classroom? When do we get to sharpen our pencils? What do I do if I need to use the bathroom? Do you give detention? During this time, I will answer all of your questions regarding classroom rules, procedures, and expectations, as well as share potential consequences for violating agreed upon rules.     

Read-Aloud: Thank You, Mr. Falker  (Continued)  Today we are going to continue to read the story Thank You, Mr. Falker.

The First Day of School

Attendance  Welcome to Lakeview Middle School! When I call your name, indicate that you are present and share a little about yourself. What elementary school do you come from? What's your favorite movie, book, or animal?  

Name Tag Activity  Let's make name tags so we can learn who we are. In the center of your name tag write your name largely and clearly. In the four corners or your name tag draw and illustrate symbols that represent your likes and interests. An example can be found below. It represents me, Matt, and my interest in writing, baseball, nature, and photography.  

Read-Aloud: Thank You, Mr. Falker  The book we are going to read aloud today features a teacher that made a big difference in one young girl's life. Before we read, think about an important teacher in your life. Why is this teacher so important to you? Now in your small groups have a conversation about the important teachers in your lives that made a difference. Next, as you listen to the story think about what makes Mr. Falker such a good teacher.

Homework  Complete the "Getting to Know You - Student Survey." Deadline: This assignment is due tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19.