7th Grade LA & Literature/8th Grade Literature

Hi 7th graders,

Welcome to Thursday – today is a Gold Day! That means you are focusing on Technology, 5th, 6th, and 7th period classes. There is also an all school mass at 9:30am – you can join in via the Parish Facebook page.

You have done a great job adjusting to our block schedule and I hope you’re starting to feel the benefits. I have spoken with the other middle school teachers, and everyone who held an online class said how much they loved seeing you and hearing your voices. Thank you for being yourselves and reminding us of why we love teaching!

Okay, gushing finished – commence Literature / ELA To Do list (there are three items):

• • • • Turn in your Tangerine Part 2 Discussion Questions (2 minutes)
      • Daily reading (20 – 30 minutes)
      • Daily journal (5 – 15 minutes)

Here we go!

1. Turn in your Tangerine Part 2 Discussion Questions (5 – 10 minutes)
   • Before turning in your work, you must review your responses to the Part 2 questions and make sure:
     • Your sentences are complete
     • You are using text evidence (quotes) to support your response
   • After reviewing your work, submit your responses in the Assignment section of our Team – “Tangerine Part 2 Discussion Question Responses”
2. Daily reading (20 – 30 minutes)
   • Make sure to update your reading log entries – I will be checking shortly.
   • Vary your evidence and make sure that column is completed thoughtfully. Here are some ideas:
     • Short summary – One- to two-sentences about the most important elements you read that day
     • Brief character profile – bullet point description of who/what they are, any important characteristics, and how they connect to the story / plot / topic
     • Quote and explanation – share a quote from your reading that stuck with you and explain why you like it / why it’s important to the story / plot / topic
     • Prediction – make a prediction about what will happen next and why you think that
     • Evaluation – share your opinion about what you read and give an example or two from the text to support your opinion
     • Question – ask a question that came up while you were reading and explain what sparked it / why you are wondering about that
     • Sketch – draw a setting or object important to the plot and explain how it connects to the story / plot / topic
3. Daily journal (5 – 15 minutes)
   • You can choose to use this prompt or create your own!
   • Prompt: Remember your plant from week one? Visit it and describe how it, and the area around it, has changed. Is there new growth? Have any worms or beetles moved in nearby? How has the rain affected your plant? What has sprung up on or around your plant?

That’s our work for the day. Remember – you are capable students who have demonstrated great strength and resilience. You can do this! Also, we are here to help, so reach out if you have any questions or need some help 😁.

Good morning 8th graders,

We’re starting monologue performances today (for Thomas) and tomorrow (for Mansfield), so, break a leg!

If you have not turned your written work in to Teams yet, please do so today. Some of you have successfully submitted your work with all three pieces attached while others are struggling with this. If you haven’t already, please reach out and ask for help, from your peers and me, before giving up on Teams and sending multiple emails with different attachments. My inbox can be a mixed up place when everyone emails their work and I don’t want any of your efforts to be lost!

If you have any questions, please contact me. Otherwise, enjoy the rain and I’ll see you Teams soon!

Hello 7th graders,

It’s Wednesday, which means two things – you’ve made it halfway through the week AND we’re going to learn a new root! Double huzzah!

Today is a Purple Day – focus on your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th period classes. If you have been invited to an online class, make sure you arrive on time and ready to engage. If you have any questions about the block schedule, or anything else, please contact us!

And, now, for today’s Literature/ELA To Do list – you have three items:

• • • • Root notes / presentation (10 – 20 minutes)
      • Daily reading / Tangerine discussion questions (20 – 30 minutes)
      • Daily journal (5 – 10 minutes)

And, we’re off!

1. 💧Root notes / presentation💧 (10 – 20 minutes)
   • No, the emojis above are not a mistake!
   • You can find a copy of the new presentation (Aqua) here and in the Files section of our 7th grade LIT/ELA Team (Files→Roots Presentations→27 Aqua PPT)
   • You can also watch the roots presentation on the Teams page later today
     • This is optional!
     • I will record the presentation and post it for review after.
   • After you put the roots in your notebook, create your notecard study guide.
2. Daily reading / Tangerine discussion questions (20 – 30 minutes)
   • Focus on whichever area needs more work – Tangerine or free reading
   • Tangerine Part 2 questions are due Thursday, April 23rd (sorry for the confusion yesterday!)
   • If you chose to work on Tangerine instead of free reading, you need to send me an email to let me know you are behind and need some help!
3. Daily journal (5 – 10 minutes)
   • You can use the prompt below or choose to write/draw on a topic of your choice.
   • Prompt: Look out a window and then answer these questions with the first four words that come to mind – what do you see and how do you feel? Think about why those words came to the top of your mind and then do your best to explain it to your journal.

That’s everything for today. Please contact me with any questions, and enjoy the rain!

Good morning 7th graders,

I am so happy I got to see some of you yesterday on Teams! It made the first day back from break much better 😊. Remember that today is a Gold Day, which means you are focusing on your 5th, 6th, 7th period classes, and Tuesday’s Specialist (Music).

For your 6th/7th period class (Literature / ELA) To Do List, you have three items:

• • • Daily Journal (5 – 10 minutes)
    • Tangerine reading and discussion questions (0 – 20 minutes)
    • Daily Reading log (0 – 20 minutes)

Let’s dive right in!

1. Daily Journal (5 – 10 minutes)
   • You can free write on a topic or feeling of your choice, or use the prompt below – it’s up to you!
   • Prompt: It’s been over a month of social distancing and distance learning, and we can see the positive, life-saving results of our efforts in our state. However, sometimes, when you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, the cost of staying distant feels too high. When that happens, how do you renew your motivation? What do you do, or think of, that reminds you your sacrifice is worth it? Be as specific and concrete as possible when describing your motivation(s) for remaining socially distant.
2. Tangerine reading and discussion questions (0 – 20 minutes)
   • If you are ahead in your reading and answering of questions, you can skip Tangerine for today!
   • If you are behind, use today to catch up and work on your Part 2 Discussion Questions.
   • Reminder: Part 2 Discussion Questions are due tomorrow, 4/23
3. Daily Reading log (0 – 20 minutes)
   • If you are behind in Tangerine, you can skip your reading log for today to focus on catching up.
   • If you are ahead in Tangerine, use your time for free reading instead.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Welcome back 7th graders!

You’re here! I missed you! I hope you had a restful and fun break. While it’s not the vacation you originally imagined, I’m positive many of you used your creative problem solving skills and came up with fabulous alternatives. I look forward to hearing about your adventures in the coming weeks.

Now that you’re back, you’re in the home stretch! Hopefully, you and your parents have reviewed the Middle School Bulletin announcement from Administration and the email from Mrs. Mansfield about our schedule and expectations. If not, take a moment and do so now! (Don’t worry, I’ll still be here when you’re done 😁)…

…okay, now you have definitely read the messages and know that we are using a block schedule for the rest of the year. How does this affect you? Well, it means you will focus on fewer classes each day, and be able to give your best effort. It also means you have a manageable, predictable schedule for online classes and discussions.

Speaking of online classes (not my greatest bridge, I know🤫), the block schedule has an impact on presentation schedules. You will still present Book Talks on your assigned days, but the times have been slightly adjusted. As usual, I will send you, and your parents, an email reminder the day before with all of the details. If you ever have any conflicts with your presentation date or time, let me know and we’ll find something that works!

And now, for today’s work! You have four items for you Literature/ELA To Do list:

• • • • Sharing your favorite journal entry from week 4 (2 – 5 minutes)
      • Tangerine check-in / possible catch up (2 – 20 minutes)
      • Reading log extension (5 minutes or less – depending on your typing skills and calendar knowledge)
      • Daily Journal entry (5 – 10 minutes)

And, away we go!

1. Sharing your favorite journal entry from week 4 (2 – 5 minutes)
   • Remember that your journal entries will all be related to your Holy Week reflections.
   • Pick your favorite entry, explain why you chose it, and share both the reflection and your reason with me on the Teams assignment “Favorite Journal Entry of Week 4”
   • Let me know if you have questions or need help!
2. Tangerine check-in / possible catch up (2 – 20 minutes)
   • According to the schedule, you should be around page 190.
   • You are scheduled to finish Part 2 on Wednesday, April 22nd, and turn in your Part 2 questions on Thursday, April 23rd.
   • If you are behind, you need to send me an email today to let me know where you are and why you are behind in reading (I need to know so we can find a new plan that works for you!)
3. Reading log extension (5 minutes or less – depending on your typing skills and calendar knowledge)
   • If you have not already, you need to add more dates to your reading log.
   • You need to add enough rows to cover the dates from now through June 5th.
   • Remember, weekends are optional reading time. You can always put weekend dates in italics to remind yourself!
4. Daily Journal entry (5 – 10 minutes)
   • Prompt: When you read “Spring Break 2020”, what’s the first thing that pops into your brain? Why that? Explain it to me / your journal.

 

And that’s everything for today. As always, contact me with any questions and have a great day!

Welcome back 8th graders,

You’re here! I missed you! I hope you had a restful and fun break. While it’s not the vacation you originally imagined, I’m positive many of you used your creative problem solving skills and came up with fabulous alternatives. I look forward to hearing about your adventures in the coming weeks.

Now that you’re back, you’re in the home stretch! Hopefully, you and your parents have reviewed the Middle School Bulletin announcement from Administration and the email from Mrs. Mansfield about our schedule and expectations. If not, take a moment and do so now! (Don’t worry, I’ll still be here when you’re done 😁)…

…okay, now you have definitely read the messages and know that we are using a block schedule for the rest of the year. How does this affect you? Well, it means you will focus on fewer classes each day, and be able to give your best effort. It also means you have a manageable, predictable schedule for online classes and discussions.

Speaking of online classes (not my greatest bridge, I know🤫), the block schedule has an impact on presentation and performance schedules. You will still present Movie Talks on your assigned days, but the times have been slightly adjusted. As usual, I will send you, and your parents, an email reminder the day before with all of the details.

Following our block schedule, monologue performances will start on Wednesday, April 22nd, for Thomas homeroom and Thursday, April 23rd, for Mansfield homeroom.

• • • Students who signed up for group performances are going first, followed by those who signed up for individual performances.
    • Find your name on schedule here. This is also available in the “Class Materials” section of the 8th Grade Literature Team.
    • Presentation slots are quite short (3 minutes), so please arrive on time.
    • If you have any conflicts with your assigned time, let me know right away and we can find a time that works better.

For your work today, you need to:

• • • finish the final round of editing on your written analysis so it is ready to turn in on Tuesday, April 21st, 2020.
    • shake the dust off and practice your monologue one more time

If your written work is already finished (write up, annotated monologue, and completed “Questions to guide your monologue”), feel free to turn all three pieces in on Teams (Monologue Project – Written Analysis).

Contact me if you have any questions!

Good morning 7th and 8th graders,

You did it! You made it! Today is Good Friday and Catch Up day. And, tomorrow your Spring break begins! I know it’s not the break you may have imagined, but there are still fantastic opportunities to relax, revive, and renew. I look forward to hearing about your break, and sharing some exciting new ideas, when we return (hint: you may or may not be creating a themed back drop for video chats when we come back…🤫)

For today, you have two main tasks:

1. 1. 1. 1. Click on the link and join spiritually with all of us at 11am to pray the Stations of the Cross (led by the 8th graders!). Take a moment at the end to pray for whatever you, and the world, most need right now.
         2. Use today to work on projects or assignments that are incomplete or missing. If you you’re feeling overwhelmed, please reach out for help! We can help you organize and prioritize, help get you back on track and feeling like yourself 😁.

That’s every thing for today! Have a wonderful Spring break and a blessed Easter! And, as always, contact me with any questions!

Hi 7th graders,

Spring break is days away and the Paschal Triduum (the three most holy days in the Catholic calendar) begins this evening – hooray! You have worked incredibly hard over these past four weeks and you deserve a rest.

Tomorrow at 11am, I encourage you and your family to watch and pray the Stations of the Cross created for us by the 8th grade. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

You have one main item for your Literature / ELA To Do list:

• • • Religion Reflection / Daily Reading / Daily Journal (20 – 35 minutes)

This should look pretty familiar by now, but review the directions if you need any extra guidance.

1. Religion Reflection / Daily Reading / Daily Journal (20 – 35 minutes)
   • Today’s reflection focuses on the act of washing the apostles’ feet – what it meant then and what it means for us today. I look forward to reading your thoughts!
     • Use your reading time to review Mrs. Mansfield’s daily reflection on Teams, think about it, and respond.
     • Copy and paste your response for today in to your reading log entry for 4/9
   • Contact me with questions!

You can still work on posters for first responders. You can also make encouraging posters for your windows, for the people passing by. You never know who might see it, and everybody can use a little extra kindness and support. Thank you for contributing to the common good by remaining socially distant and finding safe and appropriate ways to support those in need!

Have a thoughtful and reflective Holy Thursday. I look forward to praying the Stations of the Cross with you tomorrow at 11am!

Hi 8th graders,

Spring break fast approaches and the Paschal Triduum (three most holy days in the Catholic calendar) begins tonight – hooray! You have done amazingly well over the past four weeks and I’m excited that we all get to have a well deserved rest soon.

For today, you have two items for your Literature To Do list:

• • • • Religion Reflection / Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
      • Monologue Preparation / Practice / Recording (10 – 15 minutes)

1. Religion Reflection / Daily Reading (20 – 35 minutes)
   • Today’s reflection focuses on the act of washing the apostles’ feet – what it meant then and what it means for us today. I look forward to reading your thoughts!
     • Use your reading time to review Mrs. Mansfield’s daily reflection on Teams, think about it, and respond.
     • Copy and paste your response for today in to your reading log entry for 4/9
   • Contact me with questions!
2. Monologue Preparation / Practice / Recording (10 – 15 minutes)
   • If you feel confident in your performance (60-75% confidence counts 😁), check in with a classmate, perform your monologues for each other, and provide feedback.
   • Today and tomorrow are the last two days you can get feedback from me on your performance (because I want you to chill out over Spring break😎)
   • The assignment will go live on Teams tomorrow, but you do NOT need to turn anything in until Tuesday, April 21st, 2020.
   • Please contact me with questions!

You can still work on posters for first responders. You can also make encouraging posters for your windows, for the people passing by. You never know who might see it, and everybody can use a little extra kindness and support. Thank you for contributing to the common good by remaining socially distant and finding safe and appropriate ways to support those in need!

Have a thoughtful and reflective Holy Thursday. I’m looking forward to taking part in the Stations of the Cross you created tomorrow at 11am. Thank you for creating this opportunity for our school to come together and pray!

 

Hello 7th graders,

It’s Roots Day – hooray! It’s also Wednesday of Holy Week and you have another opportunity to reflect and more deeply engage. You have two items for Literature / ELA To Do list and one (can’t-encourage-it-highly-enough) optional item for your Contributing to the Common Good list:

• • • • Religion Reflection / Daily Reading / Daily Journal (20 – 35 minutes)
      •  🌊 Hydros💧Quiz (5 – 10 minutes)
      • Encouraging Message Poster for first responders (optional / highly encouraged / can be used for past reading log credit)

And, so we begin!

1. Religion Reflection / Daily Reading / Daily Journal (20 – 35 minutes)
   • Today’s reflection takes a closer look at Judas and offers you the chance to look at his actions from a new perspective. I look forward to reading your thoughts!
     • Use your reading time to review Mrs. Mansfield’s daily reflection on Teams, think about it, and respond.
     • Copy and paste your response for today in to your reading log entry for 4/8
   • Contact me with questions!
2.  🌊 Hydros💧Quiz (5 – 10 minutes)
   • Take your quiz on Teams.
   • No new root this week – I want you to rest over Spring break!
3. Encouraging Message Poster for first responders (optional / highly encouraged / can be used for past reading log credit)
   • Please review my post from yesterday for more details and consider making a poster (or two or three or…)
   • Remember that posters can be dropped off, laminated or not, at the flagpole outside of school today – Wednesday, 4/8 – from 12:30 – 1pm.
   • Contact me if you have questions – or if you need construction paper! Seriously, I’m happy to drop it off on your doorstep if it will help us support first responders 😁.

That is everything – have a great day and contact me with questions!