Update to December 12th

Grade 7 LA: Tech Effects unit wrapping up before Christmas. December 17th your write up and robots are due for presentations. Please remember to provide supporting details as to why you would want your robot to have each function. How will it help you at home? School? The world?
I look forward to witnessing your ideas come to life. Thank you for your efforts each day.
If you finish your project early, you may work ahead on planning your book talks that are due in the new year. Thanks and happy reading.
Mrs. Thain
Gr. 8 LA:  Please refer to your graphic organizer of the elements of a narrative to guide you through your writing piece. Once you have mapped out all of your ideas, please let me know so that I can conference with you. I will be looking for all elements of a narrative to be present within your narrative; so be sure to double check that you have all components before handing your work in. Conference time is key. 1) I love to read your creative ideas and see your stories unfold as we practice our writing skills. 2) I will share positive feedback and strengths that I see. 3) I can offer you strategies, skills and ideas that will help you grow as a writer.
Thank you and happy reading.
Mrs. Thain :)

Up to December 3rd

Grade 7 LA: There will be a quiz on Tuesday, December 1st. We will be seeing how you are doing when it comes to nouns, adjectives and commas. In our Tech Effects unit we see these used in our non-fiction articles. Now I need to see if you can use and identify them too. Please keep reading at home for two hours each week. Thank you! :)
Grade 8LA: Please submit your GCO 6 and 7 write up on The Outsiders by Tuesday. Did you prefer S.E Hinton's novel or the film The Outsiders: The complete Novel? Provide supporting details to justify your opinion. Thank you and please be sure to aim for your 2 hour at home reading requirement by Monday. :)

Have a great day!

Mrs. Thain
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison

Up to Monday, November 23rd.

Grade seven and grade eight students: please maintain your commitment to our two hour reading initiative. If you go over the limit...even better. :)

Grade eight: The Outsiders presentations will continue Monday. I am truly enjoying how you are meeting our educational outcomes. I have been so impressed by your imagination and attention to detail. Thank you.

Grade seven:  I hope you are enjoying our Tech Effects Unit.  I challenge you to tell your parents about the virtual school that we examined in class. Would your parents like to learn in that type of environment?

Reading ladders need to be submitted by Thursday, November 20th please.

Thank you and have a great day!

Mrs. Thain :)

November 9th to the 13th

Grade 7 LA:  Bystander News Report Presentations continue on Monday. Please see your handout and graphic organizers to guide you through the script, witness interview and conclusion. Your summary must only include one main event that took place in the novel, but it must be in chronological order. ( Like the example I gave you.) :)
Read for at least two hours per week outside of school time. Some read 15 minutes here and there, others have a set time they use each week...as long as you are reading I am happy. :)  * No school Friday...hint hint...a perfect chance to catch up if you fell behind on your reading this week. 
P.S  Our new Tech Effects unit has begun. I encourage you to chat about technology at home. What have been the biggest changes that you have witnessed since you were in grade seven? :) What technology do you appreciate the most?  We will be reading some high interest stories, writing about various topics and using technology too. :) 
Grade 8 LA: Book Talk Presentations continue and I must say that I have been completely thrilled by the samples I have witnessed thus far. Thank you for taking pride in your work and being so brave to share with others. I am very proud of you.
We will finish The Outsiders next week and we will begin to work on your Outsiders presentations. I have a handout and graphic organizers to guide you along the way.  We will construct success criteria together to ensure that expectations are clear.
 Read for at least two hours per week outside of school time. Some read 15 minutes here and there, others have a set time they use each week...as long as you are reading I am happy. :)
 No school Friday...hint hint...a perfect chance to catch up if you fell behind on your reading this week.*
P.S My Reading Progress Reports will be completed your first class back. I met my reading goal for this week...have you?

Thank you and have a great day!
Mrs. Thain
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison

Up to November November 5th:)

Read for at least two hours per week outside of school time. Some read 15 minutes here and there, others have a set time they use each week...as long as you are reading I am happy. :)
Grade 8 Book Talks November 3rd and 4th.
Grade 7 Bystander News Report Presentations due November 5th. I cannot wait to see you bring your scenes to life! Reading two hours each week outside of school too please.
Thanks so very much and have a great day!
Mrs. Thain

Last week of October Update

Congratulations to 7F for having the highest at home reading report. Two hours per week at home certainly adds up and you  are on the right track. Congratulations to 8E for being the most improved group! Something tells me the November 30th check point is going to be interesting.
At the end of the day...you all win by reading.

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison

Upcoming assignments: Good copy of your favorite quick write due on October 30th
Book Talks for grade 8 begin November 3rd.
Reading ladder updates due by November 13th
Grade 7 Bystander book jackets were quite impressive. Next project to be introduced tomorrow. 
Please let me know if you are reading a great book that you would like to add to our future reading list on our wall at the back of the room. :)
Have a good day!
Mrs. Thain  :)

Oct 19th Update for the week

Grade 7 :Bystander Assignment due today. Four questions/book jacket. 
Your narratives are due October 30th. No school Thursday and Friday this week if you need time to organize your ideas. If you were ill this will be great catch up time too.
Grade 8: Book talks are approaching, November 3rd 8F and November 4th 8E. Also Oct 30th deadline for your second published writing piece.
* At home reading for 2 hours. Congratulations to 7F ...highest rate of at home readers and winners of my first literacy celebration party October 30. Educational games linked to our speaking and listening outcomes...plus...treats! :)

 Thank you and happy reading.

Mrs. Thain  
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison 

September 28th Update

* Just a reminder that September 30th is the deadline for our first writing assignment. We have been working on generating ideas during our quick write sessions. We have been focusing on revising and editing and now the day has come to show what you know! :) 
I look forward to reading your literary creations and I thank you for sharing them with me.
Have a great day!
Mrs. Thain
P.S  Please remember our reading rate goals: 2 hours per week outside of school. You pick the reading material...you choose the time...you will see improved reading stamina too! :)

Important reminder September 24th

Just a reminder to all Language Arts students of our school wide reading initiative. Every student will commit to 2 hours of reading each week outside of school.  Students have the freedom of choosing the genre and when they will fit in their 2 hours. 
With 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week or 168 hours in a week...2 seems very fair. Plus based on the latest research, this time is needed to truly build stamina. 
This habit will serve all students and teachers well. Yes...teachers have to read too! :) Our reading goals are posted in class. 
Thank you and happy reading!
Mrs. Thain
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison  

* 30 September 2015 is the deadline for the first published entry from the student writer's notebooks. 

September 18th Important Reading Information

Just a reminder to all Language Arts students of our school wide reading initiative. Every student will commit to 2 hours of reading each week outside of school.  Students have the freedom of choosing the genre and when they will fit in their 2 hours. 
With 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week or 168 hours in a week...2 seems very fair. Plus based on the latest research, this time is needed to truly build stamina. 
This habit will serve all students and teachers well. Yes...teachers have to read too! :) Our reading goals are posted in class. 
Thank you and happy reading!
Mrs. Thain
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison 

Sept 16th update

Grade Eight students will be writing CASI Reading Assessments this week. We will also be looking at Parts of Speech and Writer's Notebook entries.
Grade Seven Students will be calculating their reading rates and setting goals for the term. We will be also making entries in our Writer's Notebooks. ( Formative at this point but students will choose one topic by the end of the month to revise/edit/publish.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Mrs. Thain :)

First Week for Students

Welcome to students in 7-3, 7-7, 8-3 and 8-7 Language Arts. I am truly looking forward to learning with all of you this year.
As for supplies, you will not need anything too out of the ordinary. :)
A binder with lined paper is easiest. We will divide it into Writer's Notebook and Reading Response sections.
Their will be speaking and listening outcomes to cover, but you will not need a separate section for that. 
There will be a  2 hour total per week  reading initiative;  we will begin once we have all had our library period.

Thank you and hope you had an enjoyable and enlightening first day at SIS! :)

Take care,

Mrs. Thain 
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison 

Thank you

A most sincere thank you to every student that I had the privilege to work with this year. It has been a gift to learn together; I have appreciated your kindness and enthusiasm.Wishing you all a beautiful vacation with your family and friends. 
Take care, 
Mrs. Thain :)

June 22nd update

Thank you for your descriptive feedback grade seven and grade eight. Your comments that you shared with peers were so kind, genuine and helpful. I also appreciated the feedback on the "Report Card for Mrs. Thain". I value your comments and it will honestly guide my instruction next year. :)
Field trip tomorrow! If you forgot your permission slip please see me as soon as possible.  
Goal setting challenge time! Prevent the "summer slide" and read at least six books over the holidays. One book can count as 150 pages so that is more than manageable right? We have 7 pages of chart paper filled with suggestions for you in room 309! :)  Please be sure to give your family members your envelope with your book suggestions and coupon to Coles! :)
Thank you!
Mrs Thain
 

Update for the week of June 8th to the 12th :)

Grade 8 book talks have been outstanding. The only problem is...now I want to read all of your books. What a good problem to have. :)  Non-fiction recount selections due by the 11th. CASI reading assessments will be completed this week as well. Just do your best and show what you know.

Grade 7 Looking forward to seeing your creative writing presentations on June 16th. Your " Fourth Piggy" creative writing ideas have literally made me laugh out loud. What a fun way to display your word choice, voice, ideas, sentence fluency and imagination.  A great way to target your speaking and listening outcomes too. * Did I mention I am very excited to witness your presentations? ;)
Thank you and have a great day!

Mrs. Thain

Assignment Update for June 1st

8F LA:  Book talks due on June 2nd.
8ELA:   Book talks due on June 8th.
7F LA:  Writing assignment due on June 3rd.
7ELA: Writing assignment due on June 8th. 
* Please be sure to return library books to Mrs. Boyd by June 15th.
Thanks!
Mrs. Thain :)

Up to May 25th

Grade 8: letter writing format assignments due on Monday.  Reading 2 hours per week outside of school as well.
Grade 7: Your book talks were so impressive. We are now focusing on our writing outcomes paying close attention to sentence structure, conventions and paragraphing. Please read at home too to build stamina and improve fluency.
Thank you and have a great day!
Mrs. Thain
"We lose ourselves in books, but we can find ourselves there too." author unknown.

May 12

Grade 7 Book Talks on Friday! I cannot wait for you to teach us about your books. Good luck and see my handout for further details. :)
Grade 8: Letter writing/research based activity
*  Read 2 hours outside of class time.

Last week of April update

Grade 7 presentations this week. Excellent start to your Fears and Phobias projects. I truly enjoyed your imagination, creative ideas and lovely speaking voices.  Huge growth from September and I am very proud of you.
Grade 8: Historical Narrative study wrap up. Reading at home two hours per week please and thank you.

April 13th, 2015

* Just a reminder for students that wish to receive extra help  I will be giving small group instruction during silent reading for 15 minutes each day as needed.  Figurative language terms include: personification, hyperbole, alliteration, metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia and idioms. If we practice together I am certain that you can meet expectations by Friday. :) Thank you to students for truly caring about your education.  I am proud of you.
* A reminder to students that 2 hours per week outside of school is the reading expectation. You can break it into 15 minutes here and there, or if really enjoying your book, you may want to read it in larger segments. 

Update for April 2nd

Grade Eight writing test will be on April 9th.  If you have not yet submitted your Lisa novel questions, please see me.
Grade Seven Underground to Canada questions to be completed. Please review your notes if you are having difficulty remembering metaphors, similes etc. 7F test April 8th. 7E test on April 10th.

Please read 2 hours each week out of school. You can break it up into 15 or 20 minutes here and there. As long as you are practicing, you will be improving your stamina and fluency. Your reading ladders have spoken for themselves...you are getting faster and capable of reading more challenging books. ! :) So proud of  you. 

Mrs. Thain :)

Where did March go? :)

Oh my goodness, hard to believe that April is Wednesday. Lots to accomplish so here are a few reminders.
Reading ladders must be handed in Tuesday if you have not already done so. I am excited to see your reading rate progress and your goals for the rest of the year.
Figurative Language Pre-test: remember my flashcards with
similes, metaphors,  hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia, idioms and personification?  This has been formative practice time to see if you can retain the meaning of these words and locate them in narratives etc.  I am sure your summative test will be a "piece of cake".  :) 
If you are unsure, review your Figurative language booklet, phone a friend or see me to help you. :) 
Thank you!
Mrs. Thain 

Reading Ladders

Just a reminder that March 26th and 27th I will be collecting reading ladders. /26 points. We will be working on this project in class.
Please see handout and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Have a wonderful, relaxing March break!
Mrs. Thain   :)

March update ( Storm day work that can be completed at home)

Just a reminder that students are expected to read for two hours each week outside of class time. Reading logs are updated each class and reading  ladders will be completed again this term.

In the event of a storm, students always can be reading and adding to their reading ladders.
Questions to be completed include:
1. Ranking books from Most Challenging, Just Right and Easy. Why this order?
2. Two book reviews
3. What is your reading rate? Has it improved since September? Explain.
4. What are your reading habits outside of our classroom?
5. Personal goals for term three? What is your new reading goal? Will you try a new genre? A series?
etc.

Thank you and have a great day!
Mrs. Thain :)

February 9th to 13th

This week students in both grade 7 and 8 will be completing CASI reading assessments.  Students will be reading a short literary piece, then they will answer eight detailed questions. They will respond in writing to explain their understanding. I always look forward to tracking progress since we met in September. :)
* Important: Students are expected to read at least 2 hours each week outside of school time. Some read a bit each day, some spread it out depending on busy extra-curricular schedules.

Happy reading!
Mrs. Thain :)

January 5th, 2015

Welcome back! It was so nice to see the smiling faces that greeted me in each class today. What a nice way to start 2015 together. :)
Reminders:
Grade 8 students we will be sharing presentations this week, based on your informational essay research that you completed back in 2014. ;)  
I have truly enjoyed learning more about the topics that are of interest to you. I believe we will all learn a great deal from each other, all while, reading, writing and speaking too! 
Grade 7 students will be wrapping up the Oak Island Money Pit assignments this week. 7FLA submits on Wednedsay and 7ELA submits on Friday. So far submissions have been interesting and visually appealing.    
* Reading for at least 2 hours each week remains the goal. I will be checking your reading logs this month and determining  your reading rates in the near future. Happy reading!
Mrs. Thain :)