Mansfield Literature for Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Hello 8th graders,

I hope your weekend was wonderful and your Monday magical! It’s been interesting to read your personal definitions of poetry and examples of poetic devices. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the sample poems I will be sharing soon.

For today, you have three items of your Literature To Do list:

  • Daily Reading (20 -35 minutes)
  • TEDTalk video and responses (20 – 25 minutes)
  • List of 10 things you know to be true (10 minutes or less)

Let’s dive right in!

  1. Daily Reading (20 -35 minutes)
    • Read for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your weekly reading plan for this week
    • Demonstrate thought and effort when filling out your online reading log
    • Contact me if you have questions or need some help!
  2. TEDTalk video and responses (20 – 25 minutes)
    • Watch the TEDTalk “Sara Kay: If I should have a daughter…”
    • In your notebook or in a Word document, respond to the four questions and prompts below:
      1. What is special about spoken word poetry? How is it different from other forms of poetry?
      2. In your own words, what were the three steps of Sarah Kay’s spoken word poetry journey?
      3. According to Sarah Kay, where do great stories start? What does that mean to you?
      4. List three benefits of spoken word poetry.
    • Submit your responses on the Teams assignment worth 4 points (Notes from “Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter…”)
  3. List of 10 things you know to be true (10 minutes or less)
    • After watching the video above, make your own list of ten things you know to be true
    • The assignment is posted on Teams with directions and an example list created by me
    • The things you list should be the first ten things that are true for you that pop into your head
    • Contact me with any questions.

And that’s everything for today. Have a terrific Tuesday and contact me with any questions!

Thomas Literature for Monday, May 11th, 2020

Hello 8th graders,

Welcome to Week 8! It’s been interesting to read your personal definitions of poetry and examples of poetic devices. I look forward to hearing your thoughts about the sample poems I will be sharing soon.

For today, you have three items of your Literature To Do list:

  • Daily Reading (20 -35 minutes)
  • TEDTalk video and responses (20 – 25 minutes)
  • List of 10 things you know to be true (10 minutes or less)

Let’s dive right in!

  1. Daily Reading (20 -35 minutes)
    • Read for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your weekly reading plan for this week
    • Demonstrate thought and effort when filling out your online reading log
    • Contact me if you have questions or need some help!
  2. TEDTalk video and responses (20 – 25 minutes)
    • Watch the TEDTalk “Sara Kay: If I should have a daughter…”
    • In your notebook or in a Word document, respond to the four questions and prompts below:
      1. What is special about spoken word poetry? How is it different from other forms of poetry?
      2. In your own words, what were the three steps of Sarah Kay’s spoken word poetry journey?
      3. According to Sarah Kay, where do great stories start? What does that mean to you?
      4. List three benefits of spoken word poetry.
    • Submit your responses on the Teams assignment worth 4 points (Notes from “Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter…”)
  3. List of 10 things you know to be true (10 minutes or less)
    • After watching the video above, make your own list of ten things you know to be true
    • The assignment is posted on Teams with directions and an example list created by me
    • The things you list should be the first ten things that are true for you that pop into your head
    • Contact me with any questions.

And that’s everything for today. Have a magical Monday and contact me with any questions!

Monday, May 11th, 2020 – 7th grade work

Hello 7th graders,

I hope you had a fabulous weekend full of sun, relaxation, and fun! I spent the weekend gardening, eating, lesson planning, and sleeping. For Mother’s Day, I helped my mom prepare a garden bed  for veggies and rhubarb. I moved bricks, pitchforked the earth, pulled weeds, and generally made a mess while she made big glasses of bubbly ice water with lemon and mint and cheered me on from the shade. It was hard work, but it made my mom happy and soon we’ll have fresh vegetables and, more importantly, rhubarb for all the pies and tarts I want! (What would your Monday morning be without a random story from Ms. Rzegocki?)

Today, you have four items for your Literature / LA To Do List and two big reminders/announcements:

  • Favorite Journal Entry of Week 7 (3 – 5 minutes)
  • Sunglasses materials request (0 – 5 minutes)
  • Daily Journal (5 – 15 minutes)
  • Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
  • ANNOUNCEMENT/REMINDER – Materials pick up tomorrow from 1-2pm
  • ANNOUNCEMENT/REMINDER – We have online class tomorrow!

Let’s jump right in!

  1. Favorite Journal Entry of Week 7 (3 – 5 minutes)
    • Pick your favorite journal entry from last week
    • Write a short explanation of why you want to share it / it’s your favorite
    • Submit both pieces on the Teams assignment
  2. Sunglasses materials request (0 – 5 minutes)
    • If it’s after 9am, you should have received an email with the names and details of the 8th grader(s)for whom you are making sunglasses
    • If it’s before 9am, please be patient!
    • You are picking up supplies (definitely tagboard, possibly more – template, tissue or construction paper – if you request it) tomorrow, May 12th
      • Rzegocki from 1- 1:30pm
      • Tice from 1:30 – 2pm
    • You are welcome to use a template for the shape of the glasses – here are some samples you might use
    • You will personalize the glasses for your 8th grader
    • If you want a printed template or additional supplies, please email me the file/picture you want to use and/or the supplies you are hoping for by 3pm today (Monday, May 11th)  – I need time to organize everything for the pick up 😎
  3. Daily Journal (5 – 15 minutes)
    • Write on your own prompt or use the one below.
    • Prompt: In honor of Mother’s Day, write down five things you love about your mom/mother figure. Why do you love those things?
  4. Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
    • Read for 15 – 30 minutes, then complete your reading log entry
    • Contact me if you need some help with the evidence section!

ANNOUNCEMENT/REMINDER

  1. Materials pick up tomorrow from 1-2pm (Rzegocki HR for the first 30 minutes and Tice HR for the last 30 minutes)
    • I will send an email to your parents with all the details and instructions
    • If you want a template for sunglasses or additional crafting materials, email me the information before 3pm today.
  2. We have online class tomorrow!
    • Rzegockis will have class starting at 10:30am
    • Tices will have class starting at 9:45am
    • See you tomorrow (online and, maybe, in person!)

That’s everything for today. Contact me with any questions, and have a great day!

Friday, May 8th, 2020 – 7th and 8th grade Catch-up Day

Good morning 7th and 8th graders,

It’s Friday of Spirit Week – Virtual Field Day! Click the link for more information and have some fun!

7th graders – there will be a materials pick up (your new novel and sunglasses making supplies) on Tuesday, May 12th, 2020, from 1-2pm (1-1:30pm for Rzegocki HR and 1:30 – 2pm for Tice HR). I will email with directions and details soon!

Aside from your Field Day challenges, today should be used to catch up on anything that has slipped off your plate. If you’re struggling with an assignment or motivation, reach out and ask a teacher for help – it’s what we’re here for.

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, May 7th, 2020 – 7th grade work

Good morning 7th graders,

Welcome to Thursday of Spirit Week – Educator Appreciation Day! I have a special favor to ask, and since I’m one of your educators, you can consider it your way of showing appreciation.

Here is it – give some love to your first and original educators – your parents/guardians!

Some of you might be surprised to think of them this way, but it’s true. Your parents/guardians were there to help you from the very beginning and have served as the most constant supportive presence in your life. Your school teachers educate you for a year, sometimes two, but your parents/guardians are for life. They cheer you on when you’re on top, dust you off when you’re low, help you learn from mistakes, and, most importantly, love you, no matter what.

That is some heavy duty work. Don’t get me wrong – it’s rewarding and I know your parents/guardians wouldn’t have it any other way. But, sometimes, it’s hard. Really hard. Seriously, absurdly, insanely hard. And, being middle schoolers, sometimes we forget to acknowledge all that they have done and continue to do to educate us about the world and ourselves. Sometimes, we might even be rude or actively ignore or reject the valuable support our parents/guardians provide. I know you know what I’m talking about🤨.

What’s amazing is that, despite these challenges, our parents/guardians keep going – keep forgiving, keep teaching, keep loving, keep supporting, keep helping us grow into the best version of ourselves.

So, today, on Educator Appreciation Day, do me a favor and celebrate your parents/guardians! Thank them for their support (emotional, financial, physical, academic, etc.). Make them a card or write them a poem. Do an interpretive dance or sing a song. You can help out around the house to make things easier for them, but make sure you actually say the words “thank” and “you” (preferably more than that – include specific details and some heartfelt emotions) at some point so they know you appreciate all of their hard work.

Okay, thank you for doing that. I really appreciate it! (see, it feels nice to be appreciated😊)

Now, here is the work for today – you have four items for your Literature / LA To Do List:

  • Review and turn in Tangerine Part 3 Discussion Questions (5 minutes)
  • Daily reading (20 – 35 minutes)
  • Daily Journal (5 – 15 minutes)
  • Appreciate your first educators – your parents/guardians (all day!)

Let’s get started!

  1. Review and turn in Tangerine Part 3 Discussion Questions (5 – 10 minutes)
    • Your Part 3 questions are due today on Teams (“Tangerine Part 3 Discussion Question Responses”)
    • If you want to earn full credit, BEFORE turning them in, please check that you have followed the directions:
      • All of your sentences are complete (capitals, punctuation, no sentences starting with “Because…” or “Yes,…”)
      • All responses use text evidence, quotes, from Tangerine to support your answers
      • All questions are thoughtfully and thoroughly answered
    • Once you have checked your work, go ahead and submit it on Teams!
  2. Daily reading (20 – 35 minutes)
    • You are finished with Tangerine so it’s all about your free reading/book talk books!
    • Read for 15 – 30 minutes, then complete your reading log entry
    • Your evidence column is where you practice different critical thinking skills every day – be sure to take your time and put thought and effort into your work.
    • Contact me with any questions or concerns!
  3. Daily Journal (5 – 15 minutes)
    • Write on whatever you wish or use the prompt below:
    • Prompt – Think about all of the different beings that have taught you something in your life. Think about the times you have taught somebody else. What are the qualities of a successful educator? Why are those qualities so important?
  4. Appreciate your first educators – your parents/guardians (all day!)
    • Formally acknowledge the work your parents have done and continue to do
    • Make a card, do a dance, sing a song, make a movie – do something where you clearly communicate the message “I appreciate all that you do! You do SO much for me and I want you to know that I see it and am forever grateful!”
    • If your heart overflows with appreciation – show some love for your other educators:
      • Friends
      • Pets
      • Coaches
      • Siblings
      • The tree outside that finally bloomed and taught you the value of patience
      • …but, seriously, make sure parents/guardians are first and the most heartfelt!

That’s everything!

Thank you for all of your hard work. I know that this situation isn’t easy, but I’m amazed by your persistence. When this is over, because it will end, I look forward to seeing you use all of the new skills and abilities you have gained during this period. For now, stay strong, ask for help, and keep in contact!

Have an erudite Educator Appreciation Day!

Mansfield Literature for Thursday, May 7th, 2020

Hi Mansfieldians!

Welcome to Thursday of Spirit Week – Educator Appreciation Day! I have a special favor to ask, and since I’m one of your educators, you can consider it your way of showing appreciation.

Here is it – give some love to your first and original educators – your parents/guardians!

Some of you might be surprised to think of them this way, but it’s true. Your parents/guardians were there to help you from the very beginning and have served as the most constant supportive presence in your life. Your school teachers educate you for a year, sometimes two, but your parents/guardians are for life. They cheer you on when you’re on top, dust you off when you’re low, help you learn from mistakes, and, most importantly, love you, no matter what. That is some heavy duty work. Don’t get me wrong – it’s rewarding and I know your parents/guardians wouldn’t have it any other way. But, sometimes, it’s hard. Really hard. Seriously, absurdly, insanely hard. And, being middle schoolers, sometimes we forget to acknowledge all that they have done and continue to do to educate us about the world and ourselves.

So, today, on Educator Appreciation Day, do me a favor and celebrate your parents/guardians! Thank them for their support (emotional, financial, physical, academic, etc.). Make them a card or write them a poem. Do an interpretive dance or sing a song. You can help out around the house to make things easier for them, but make sure you actually say the words “thank” and “you” (preferably more than that – include specific details and some heartfelt emotions) at some point so they know you appreciate all of their hard work.

Okay, thank you for doing that. I really appreciate it!

Now, on to your work for today -you have four items for your Literature To Do list:

  • Complete the 🥳Hooray for 8th graders🥳 form (5 – 15 minutes)
  • Poetic Device Practice assignment (12 – 15 minutes)
  • Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
  • Appreciate your first educators – your parents/guardians (all day!)

Let’s get started!

  1. Complete the 🥳Hooray for 8th graders🥳 form (5 – 15 minutes)
    • The 6th and 7th graders want to celebrate you in style, but we need some help!
    • Please complete the form on Teams and let me know if you have questions
  2. Poetic Device Practice assignment (12 – 15 minutes)
    • We will be writing our own poetry soon, so it’s helpful to review what we know about poetry.
    • You can find some helpful review videos online and I have included one here (Feel free to turn off the sound and stop them at any point)
    • Follow the directions and contact me with any questions!
  3. Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
    • Read for 15 – 30 minutes, whatever you have chosen, and practice a different analysis skill in your evidence column
    • Contact me with any questions or concerns!
  4. Appreciate your first educators – your parents/guardians (all day!)
    • Formally acknowledge the work your parents have done and continue to do
    • Make a card, do a dance, sing a song, make a movie – do something where you clearly communicate the message “I appreciate all that you do! You do SO much for me and I want you to know that I see it and am forever grateful!”
    • If your heart overflows with appreciation – show some love for your other educators:
      • Friends
      • Pets
      • Coaches
      • Siblings
      • The tree outside that finally bloomed and taught you the value of patience
      • …but, seriously, make sure parents/guardians are first and the most heartfelt!

Have a great day!

Thomas Literature for Wednesday, May 6th, 2020

Good morning 8th graders,

Welcome to Wednesday of Spirit Week – Get Out There and Bike Day! Grab your helmet and your wheels (or wheel, if you are partial to unicycles) and go for a spin.

Before or after your ride, whichever works best for you, you have three items for your Literature To Do list:

  • Complete the 🥳Hooray for 8th graders🥳 form (5 – 15 minutes)
  • Poetic Device Practice assignment (12 – 15 minutes)
  • Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)

Let’s get started!

  1. Complete the 🥳Hooray for 8th graders🥳 form (5 – 15 minutes)
    • The 6th and 7th graders want to celebrate you in style, but we need some help!
    • Please complete the form on Teams and let me know if you have questions
  2. Poetic Device Practice assignment (12 – 15 minutes)
    • We will be writing our own poetry soon, so it’s helpful to review what we know about poetry.
    • You can find some helpful review videos online and I have included one here (Feel free to turn off the sound and stop them at any point)
    • Follow the directions and contact me with any questions!
  3. Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
    • Read for 15 – 30 minutes, whatever you have chosen, and practice a different analysis skill in your evidence cloumn
    • Contact me with any questions or concerns!

Have a great day!

Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 – 7th grade work

Good morning 7th graders,

Welcome to Wednesday – with your last roots quiz of the year! It’s interesting to note that, despite our strange circumstances, you have learned more roots than any other 7th grade class I have taught at St. John. Round of applause!

Today is Wednesday of Spirit Week – Get Out There and Bike Day! So, grab you bike (AND your helmet – because I love you too much to let you hurt your brains) and go for a spin😁.

You have four items for your Literature / ELA To Do list today:

  • HYPNOS quiz (5 – 10 minutes)
  • Tangerine reading and discussion questions (20 – 30 minutes)
  • Daily Journal (5 – 15 minutes)
  • Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)

Let’s get started!

  1. HYPNOS quiz (5 – 10 minutes)
    • Complete the quiz on Teams
    • Pay attention to the part of speech clues I have given you
    • Enjoy a little break from roots!
  2. Tangerine reading and discussion questions (20 – 30 minutes)
    • Your Part 3 discussion questions are due tomorrow – hooray!
    • Review the comments from your Part 1 questions for tips to improve
    • Contact me with any questions or if you need a bit more time😁
  3. Daily Journal (5 – 15 minutes)
    • Write on your own prompt or use one of the two below:
    • Prompt(s):
      1. Share what you did for Tasty Tuesday yesterday – created a dish, followed a recipe, planned a menu, served as sous chef, something else? Whatever you did, tell me/your journal all about it! Feel free to include photos, drawings, and splatters of spaghetti sauce.
      2. Describe your bike ride for today’s spirit day – where did you go? What did you see? Who did you see? Did anything interesting/funny/surprising/ enjoyable/exciting happen? Tell me/your journal all about it! Feel free to include maps, pictures, drawings, checklists, and drops of rain/sunscreen.
  4. Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
    • Read for 15 – 30 minutes and practice a new analysis skill by completing your log entry and putting extra effort into the evidence column
    • Let me know if you have any questions!

That’s everything for today. Next week, we will be starting a new text and working on a secret project for the 8th graders 😎. I will be sharing more information with you soon about picking up materials for both.

For now, have a great day and let me know if you have questions, concerns, or a suggested bike route!

Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 – 7th grade work

Good morning 7th graders,

I hope you had a marvelous Monday! If you’re having a rocky start to this week, take a moment to watch the latest episode of Some Good News – having something to smile about can’t hurt. If you’re having a great day – hooray! Try and spread some of that hope and joy to the people around you.

You have four tasks for your Literature/ LA To Do List:

  • Daily journal entry (5 – 15 minutes)
  • Daily reading (20 – 35 minutes)
  • Tangerine reading and discussion questions (15 – 20 minutes)
  • Study for HYPNOS quiz tomorrow (3 – 5 minutes)

Let’s get started!

  1. Daily journal entry (5 – 15 minutes)
    • Choose your own prompt or use the one below.
    • Prompt
      • We often find what we are looking for – a lost shoe, a missing stone on a ring, a fun-filled adventure – the list goes on. The same is true for our personal perspectives – if we feel worried / excited / anxious / hopeful / frustrated / calm / etc., we often find more evidence in the world to keep that feeling going, for better or for worse. That doesn’t mean you are stuck feeling bad, it just means you have to work to shift your perspective. So, that’s what we are going to do today.
      • For today’s prompt, I want you to take some time and identify at least five things in the world that give you hope. This could be anything – plants, news, people, messages, landscapes, literature, religion. Be specific and clear. You don’t have to stop at five, so if you have more keep recording!
  2. Daily reading (20 – 35 minutes)
    • Read for 15 – 30 minutes from your free reading book, article, magazine, newspaper, etc.
    • Reflect on your reading and complete your daily entry in your reading log
    • Pay particular attention to the Evidence column – change the type of evidence you use every day (no evidence repeats in a week) AND show the thought you put into your work
    • Contact me with any questions!
  3. Tangerine reading and discussion questions (15 – 20 minutes)
    • Your Part 3 Discussion questions are due on Thursday, May 7th.
    • Contact me with any questions.
  4. Study for HYPNOS quiz tomorrow (3 – 5 minutes)
    • Test yourself with a homemade quiz
    • Contact me with questions

That’s all for today. Contact me with any questions or concerns, or if you want to share where you find hope!

Mansfield Literature for Tuesday, May 5th, 2020

Good morning Mansfield Homeroom,

I hope you had a productive and fun Monday! Almost all of you have performed your monologues and I am working through your written analysis, which can only mean one thing (to me😁) – it’s time for our Power Through Poetry unit!

So, you have three tasks today for your Literature To Do List:

  • Daily reading (20 – 35 minutes, depending on how many days you are reading this week)
  • Personal definition of poetry (2 – 3 minutes)
  • Notes on “What makes a poem…a poem?” video (7 – 10 minutes)

And so we begin…

  1. Daily reading (20 – 35 minutes, depending on how many days you are reading this week)
    • Remember, you are reading 75 – 90 minutes a week, but you choose how to spread that out
      • Monday, Wednesday, Friday ➡️ 30 minutes each day = 90 minutes a week
      • Monday – Friday ➡️ 15 minutes each day = 75 minutes a week
    • No matter what you choose, any day you read, you must fill out your reading log, paying special attention to the Evidence column
    • Contact me with questions, concerns, reading suggestions, or if you’re looking for a new book!
  2. Personal definition of poetry (2 – 3 minutes)
    • Complete the “Personal Definition of Poetry Assignment” on Teams
      • Before watching the video, write your definition of poetry in one to two sentences.
      • What make poetry different from other forms of writing and expression?
      • Avoid using forms of the poetry (poetic, poet, poem, etc.) in your definition. Imagine you are defining the word for someone who has no clue what it means – like if I were defining the word “sclarftoobentork” for you.
  3. Notes on “What makes a poem…a poem?” video (10 – 15 minutes)
    • In your Literature notebook, write down today’s date (May 4th) and the title of this video
    • As you watch the video, make a bullet point list of the qualities of a poem
    • After you have finished the video and your notes, revisit your personal definition of poetry and answer the following questions in your notebook
      • Would you change anything in your definition? If so, what would you add or take away?
        • Why would you change your definition in that way?
        • Why keep your definition the same?
    • 🌟BONUS CHALLENGE🌟: List all of the poetic devices you can remember without looking at your notes. Try to give examples of each device.

That’s all for today. As always, contact me if you have any questions or concerns and have a great day!