Up to October 1st

Reading requirements review: Just a reminder that every LA student is expected to read for two hours each week at home. This can be divided up over different days, depending on how busy schedules may be. Two hours per week is the goal to build fluency and stamina. Each class I am keeping a running record of progress made as well. Please share your reading rate and reading goals with your family members. It should be exciting to see your progress with practice! :)
Grade 8 LA assignment in progress: Continuing to work on writing scripts for The Outsiders project. Please be sure to keep your scenario that you chose in mind.  Volume, pacing, expression and organization are all important components to pay attention to.
Grade 7 LA:  Soon you will be asked to select a date and prepare a book talk that you will share with our class.  Are you keeping up with your reading requirements? If not...you know what to do. :)
Have a great day!
Mrs. Thain
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison 

Updates up to September 29th

Grade 8: Free Write practice time has been granted in class, now students are asked to submit their good copies by Monday, September 29th. I truly look forward to reading your original selections. Many options to choose from as discussed in class.

Grade 7: Excellent work on sentence fluency and paragraph writing. If you have not finished your good copy for paragraphs yet, please submit by Monday as I am out Thursday and no school for students on Friday.
 * All students are to read for at least 2 hours outside of class time each week. Feel free to break the time in to manageable portions. Some evenings you may read more than others. If you find yourself falling behind and not meeting your reading rate goals, you have the weekend to catch up. :)
Thank you!
Mrs. Thain
 

Up to September 22nd

All of my LA students are asked to make a commitment to reading for at least 20 minutes outside of class time.  Each student will calculate their "reading rate" to determine what would be a challenging but attainable goal. 
Grade 7 students will be asked to finish their "Step Up" paragraph exercise by Tuesday. I modeled this last week for students, and most have finished their good copies. 
Grade 8  students have been working on a personal writing style assignment in class. They will be completing a good copy this week so be sure to bring free write drafts to class on Monday in your writing binder/scribbler.  
Thank you and have a great day!
Mrs. Thain :)
 

Reading Assessments

Grade 7 and Grade 8 students will be completing diagnostic reading assessments in class.  These assessments are not for "marks" as students often ask. They are simply used as a tool to guide instruction. :) Throughout the year we will be tracking progress; identifying strengths and areas in need of more support.
Students are to read 20 minutes at home each day or  140 minutes per week to meet reading expectations. Some nights may be busier than others so 140 minutes overall is the minimum  goal per week. Each child has a reading log to update each day.
Thank you and have a great day!
Mrs. Thain
"Reading is the the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison

Reading Update

Grade 7 students were taken to the library to sign out books. Please remind your child to read for at least 20 minutes each day. :) On evenings that might be extra busy, the goal is 20 minutes x 7 so there may be times when students read longer one day to make up for another day. * If they get lost in a fantastic book...even better! :)
Thank you!
Mrs. Thain

Week of September 9th

7FLA: We had our first tour of the library and signed out books today! Please read for 20 minutes minimum. A reminder that your first writing project is due on Friday, September 12th.
7ELA: We will do our library tour Tuesday! Please work on your writing assignment. Do you remember the 4 types of sentences? 
8ELA  Your writing project due Friday, September 12th. * What type of learner are you? Interests? Study Habits.
8FLA: Same project, but due on September 11th.
Thanks and have a great day!
Mrs.Thain :)  

September 4th: Welcome to room 309

Thank you to all grade seven and eight students for your positive energy and big smiles as you entered my LA classes today.  You must be exhausted after such a hectic schedule and I hope you all are well rested for our busy day tomorrow.

Please bring your writing duotangs tomorrow as we will begin our first project! This lesson will help me get to know you better while meeting curriculum outcomes at the same time. I have a example of my own that I hope you will enjoy.
Have a lovely evening.
Mrs. Thain :)