Wednesday, November 27th

Grade 7 students are sharing their book talks this week. I have been completely impressed by the quality of the videos, posters, models and other creations used to teach us about your books.  Thank you for your bravery, professionalism and imagination! * You truly need to keep reading on a regular basis and updating your reading log each day.  I am seeing improvement when it comes to word choice and fluency. I would urge you to  make the choice to practice each day, as this will serve you well in the future.
*7FLA: Your sequels to User Friendly have been such a pleasure to read, if you have not handed in your good copy yet, please do so on Thursday. 
Grade 8 Students: As we wrap up our book talks, we will be using Nelson Literacy 8. We are also looking at persuasive writing and completing a formative piece on how to prepare a strong argument.   If you do not have debate topics in mind that you would like to share, I have many topics to choose from. I look forward to your submissions and I am certain we will have fun meeting our writing, reading and speaking outcomes! :)

Tuesday, November 26th

7ELA: Your book talks begin on Monday. Looking forward to learning about what you have been reading, during your presentations!
7FLA:  Sequels to User Friendly due Monday. Your book talks are due on the 27th.
8E LA: All book talks complete now except two. We will wrap this up on Monday and we will progress with our Tech Then and Now Theme. Hope you enjoyed the writing and speaking activity that included modeling clay! :) I enjoyed your creations, evaluation of the products and  supporting details. 
8FLA: Book talks on Monday, this will take approximately 2 or 3 periods to complete. 
Please remember to read, as I will be checking your reading logs on Monday. Thank you! 
Mrs. Thain 

Monday, November 18th

7FLA:  Sequel for User Friendly due on Thursday, November 21st! Please be sure to stay true to the genre. * Also, if you are using dialogue, remember to use proper punctuation ( " ," ! ?) :)
*Begin a new line when you have a new paragraph: ( new idea, new setting, new time, new person introduced etc)
You may include graphics if you wish, but please complete your sequel, before you begin any art work. Just in case you spend too much time on the drawings, and not enough on your narratives. :)
I look forward to reading your literary creations.  I will be focusing on your organization, word choice, ideas,
voice, sentence-fluency and ideas.
8E and 8FLA: Book Talks continue today!
7ELA: Only one class together today, we will begin User-Friendly and negotiate a due date for your sequels.

November 14th

Grade 7E LA Your book talk presentations begin on November 25th.
7FLA your book talks begin on the 27th.  
Grade 8F LA : presentations begin on November 15th!
Grade 8ELA: presentations have begun and we will finish within the next 2 periods.
* All LA classes should be reading on a regular basis, a minimum of 20 minutes each day in addition to class. On truly busy nights, this may be a challenge, so you may read extra the next day. :) Please make a genuine commitment to improving your fluency and building your vocabulary. Your goal is to choose a "just right book", not too easy, but not so difficult that comprehension is lost.
Thanks so very much!
Mrs. Thain 

Up to November 8th

Dear Parents and Guardians:
      If you wanted to meet for an interview, but found that all times were taken, please email me at smthain@edu.pe.ca and I will get back to you as soon as possible. If you prefer to call, my number is 888 8470 ( ext 309).
Thank you and have a great day!
Mrs. Thain :)

Up to November 4th

Grade 8ELA your book talk presentations begin on November 12th and 8FLA you are on November 15th.

Students are given class time to read, but they must be reading at home as well. Please ask your child to see their reading log as they are updating them every day in class.

Grade 7FLA and 7ELA: Congratulations on completing your first moderated marking project today! You did very well with this diagnostic assessment. As we continue to complete formative writing assessments, this will help you prepare for your very own summative task.  I challenge you to explain to your parents what you have learned about the 3 types and why they are all so very important!

Read, read and did I mention read? ;) We will be updating your reading logs again on Monday and yes...I will be checking. 

Have a wonderful weekend.
Mrs. Thain