Up to December 20th, 2016

Grade Seven LA: Two hour at home reading requirement: Have you reached your goal yet this week? 
Ask your parents their opinion about the non-fiction article we discussed..."Are our favorite devices making us rude?" Are we spending too much time connected to our gadgets and technological devices? Explain your thinking.

* Robot Commercials....How will you persuade us that we need your invention? :) How will you hook your target audience? ( Remember our strategies we discussed in class? If not, check out the many helpful websites on how to write persuasively .  Due on December 19th! 

Grade Eight LA: Wow! I am absolutely loving our Great Grade Eight Debates! Please see my descriptive feedback and grades in SAS for those that presented so far this week. Thank you for your efforts, your information shared via the research you conducted and for your bravery in class. I appreciate you. 
For those that wish to work ahead, you may pick up where we left off with our hybrid text forms. ( The Halifax Explosion report) * I have a handout for you.    
* Please note: The Halifax Explosion Hybrid Text projects are due on December 20th. 

Thanks!


Mrs. Thain :)

Up to December 5th, 2016

Grade Seven Update

Tech Effects: How do changes in technology affect you?

In this unit of study our literacy goals are:

1.    Critical thinking: Asking questions as we read non-fiction pieces to increase our understanding.

2.    Organizing our ideas in writing: text features that we see in various types of reports, articles etc.

3.    How to deliver an oral presentation. (* Do you want to build a robot?) * Insert melody of Frozen song here. J

4.    Analyze the narrative text pattern too using a very suspenseful story! J

5.    Plus some fun surprises too! J  Looking forward to learning with you again this term.

·       Be sure to involve your parents and guardians too. How has technology changed? How does in impact their lives? 
* At home reading requirement remains too. ( 2 hours at home reading per week)

 Great Grade Eight Debates due December 5th. 

*Be sure to refer to our graphic organizer and checklist to ensure you understand all of the criteria. Feel free to conference with me soon to make sure you feel comfortable with your subject matter before debates begin. :) Thanks!

Grade Seven Tech Effects Update

Dear Students of Grade Seven,

I hope you enjoyed our critical thinking activity where we examined the pros and cons of virtual schools. What do your parents/guardians think of this topic? Would they be for or against virtual schools and why? 
Writer's Workshop paragraphing exercise continues tomorrow. This is formative practice, please review our notes and if you have questions please see me.
Happy reading and don't forget our two hour at home reading requirement. You can spread out the reading time according to a schedule that works for you and your family.
Thanks!
Mrs. Thain :)

December 5th...The Great Grade Eight Debates! :)

Just a reminder grade eight that I have placed the due date for our debates on  Google Classroom. If you finished your speech before then, simply upload all documents and turn it in. :)
* Be sure to include all points from my "handy hand out" of our success criteria. Check your list twice.
* Also, please do not hit share as that sends it as an email.     Forgot how to do this to Google Classroom?
1. Select the assignment in Google Classroom
2.Go to Drive
3Select document ( Your speech/slides)
4.Add
5.Turn it in....  :)
This is important as I can easily see all assignments organized into 4 classrooms as opposed to 112 emails to scroll through. :)Thanks in advance and have a great day! 

November 14th to 18th Update

Grade 7: Our new theme is Tech Effects. Have you asked your parents/guardians what technology was really popular when they were in grade seven? :)

Narratives and Reading Ladders were a huge commitment and I thank you for your effort in all areas. Please see my feedback in SAS and in Google Docs if you submitted work through my Google Classroom. All reading ladders will be graded by the end of this week. I had over 100 narratives to read and some were 26 pages typed so they took an extensive period of time to read and comment one. It was SO worth it because I have witnessed growth in your writing already and we are only in November! Can you tell I am proud of you? 

Please keep reading each week at home for two hours per week. * You can decide which schedule works best for you. If you want to work ahead, look at our goals for our new theme and do some research on inventions you would love to see. What will your robot be able to do? Will it be as impressive as the robots in use in hospitals and hotels? :)

Grade 8: Debate research continues, be sure to record all websites and sources that you use to defend your argument. Do you remember our success criteria we chose that shows what a strong debate has to have? We will review in class. At home reading requirement remains. See me for a copy of MLA format to help you give credit to your sources. 

* If you were out due to illness or did not choose a topic as of Friday, please see me and one will be provided for you. 

Thank you and have a great day! :)

Mrs. Thain 

Update for November 8th to 15th

November 8th ....grade seven reading ladders due.
November 10th...grade eight reading ladders due. 

Grade Seven Special Project: 
Thank you so very much to all of my grade seven students for coming up with such thoughtful ways we can "Step Up" to help our community. I am overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. Please remember that we do not all have to bring in an item for the food bank...only if you feel you are able. No stress allowed. :) 
Please see attached poster to let you know more about our special project if interested. 

Grade Eight: A reminder that our two hour reading requirement per week is ongoing. We will be researching topics for our debates soon so if you have a favorite topic you feel strongly about, see me.

Thanks!

We Would Love Your Help!

We are doing something special to commemorate our grade seven Step Up Literacy Project!

How can you help? Non-perishable food items like:

Soup, spaghetti, KD, cereal, canned meat/veggies, and juice can be dropped off in room 309! J

Or

If you wish to support The Humane Society they are accepting: canned food for dogs and cats, fleece blankets, cat toys, used pet carriers. * see website for more details.

 Please bring donations to Mrs. Thain’s room (309) if you are able to help by November 30^th. Thank you from 7E and 7F!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Up to November 10th

* Thank you to all students, in my four classes for sharing your ideas and efforts with me each day. We have been working hard together and I truly appreciate the risks you take each day as learners.

Grade (7-3 and 7-7) 7 LA: November 8th your Reading Ladder progress report is due. My graphic organizer that I gave you contains all of the questions too, but if you need extra help or clarification, just let me know.
* Our Step Up unit will be wrapping up shortly and I look forward to seeing what issue you would like us to help with as a group.
( Please be sure to do your at home reading each week. How will you hit the two hour total target?)

Grade (8-3 and 8-7) 8LA: November 10th your Reader Ladder report is due. Please let me know if you have any questions about expectations.
* We will wrap up our presentations over the next few days regarding our Procedural Reports. I thank you for your professionalism and for the way some of you even managed to add some humour to your reports. What a creative group you are and I appreciate you!

Have a good day!

Mrs. Thain

Update for October 24th to November 2nd

Grade 7 Classes: Narratives are due on October 26th for 7E and 7F   
Reading Ladders are due on November 8th

Grade 8 Classes:    November 2nd our Procedural Reports are due.  Please see checklist and example I gave you. 
Reading Ladders are due on November 10th for 8E and 8F

* Class time is given for all major assignments so the only homework students are asked to complete is to meet their reading goals each week. ( Two hours total at home reading, but you can spread it out in a scheduled way that works for you and your family.)  Has your reading changed since Septmeber? Has your reading goal(s) changed?  See me if you need help finding some new books to add to your future reading list. 

Have a great day!
Mrs. Thain

"Reading is the the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison
"Writing is the painting of the voice." Voltaire.

Reminders and Updates for 7F, 7E, 8E and 8F :) Oct 24th to November 10th.

Grade 7 Classes: Narratives are due on October 26th for 7E and 7F   
Reading Ladders are due on November 8th

Grade 8 Classes:    November 2nd our Procedural Reports are due.  Please see checklist and example I gave you. 
Reading Ladders are due on November 10th for 8E and 8F


* Class time is given for all major assignments so the only homework students are asked to complete is to meet their reading goals each week. ( Two hours total at home reading, but you can spread it out in a scheduled way that works for you and your family.)  Has your reading changed since Septmeber? Has your reading goal(s) changed?  See me if you need help finding some new books to add to your future reading list. 

Have a great day!
Mrs. Thain

"Reading is the the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison
"Writing is the painting of the voice." Voltaire.

Up to Tuesday, October 11th, 2016

Wishing everyone a lovely Thanksgiving weekend!

*Grade 7: Your Bystander projects were due on Friday, Oct 7th, if you did not hand your paper in, please do so on Tuesday.
*Grade 8: Your Outsiders scripts with the 4 success criteria were due on Friday, if you have not yet finished please submit them when you return.

I hope you are enjoying your novels/books and if you need any suggestions for your future reading lists, please let me know!

Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Thain

A Poem of Thanks by Morrow Clark Regan

I'm thankful for the birds that sing
At daybreak and for everything,
That's beautiful a summer night
So softly warm a sheer delight,
For children's laughter clear and sweet
For meadow flowers at my feet 
For stars high in the sky above
But most of all the gift of love.

May you enjoy this time with those you hold dear. :)

Up to Monday, October 3rd

7E and 7F LA: Just a reminder about your at home two hour reading requirement. Be sure to keep your log up to date and arrange a schedule that works for you and your family. Will you read 20 minutes each day? When? Do you prefer a longer period of time on days that are not as busy? Do what works best for you to help you meet your goals.

Have you told your family about your term one reading/writing goals? I am sure they would like to hear your ideas and they may have some great ones too!

Reading ladders are due on Tuesday, November 8th. Your family may also wish to see the expectations. (Grade 7 only)

Writer's Notebooks: All writing in your scribbler so far has been formative ( practice) and mini-lesson time. Start thinking about your favorite idea that you wish to focus on for a publishing piece. By Monday, you will need to know which formative piece you will develop.

Following our Bystander read aloud you will be completing a summative assessment as well.

Thanks!
Mrs. Thain

Grade 8 LA: Just a reminder about your at home two hour reading requirement. Be sure to keep your log up to date and arrange a schedule that works for you and your family. Will you read 20 minutes each day? When? Do you prefer a longer period of time on days that are not as busy? Do what works best for you to help you meet your goals.

Your reading ladders are due on Thursday, November 10th.  ( Grade 8)
We will also be doing a summative assessment on a reading comprehension response from The Outsiders with the focus being our Foundational Learnings. See chart in class as well as my handouts.
Start thinking about which piece of writing you would like to choose for publishing. We have been doing formative practice and mini-lessons. I look forward to reading your literary creations. :)

Thanks!
Mrs. Thain

Up to Friday September 23rd

Just a reminder to students in my grade seven and grade eight Language Arts Classes that we have now calculated our reading rates for September. Please be sure to look at your daily schedule to see where you can best fit your two hour per week at home reading requirement. You can spread it out over a few minutes each day or perhaps you like to curl up with a good book over an extended period of time.

If you did not finish recording your reading/writing goals yet, please give these areas some thought. I can also help you during our conference time. Perhaps some friends have suggestions you might  enjoy as well.

I look forward to working with you to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to ask me for updates about my goals too. We can all support each other and I am happy to share my ideas and goals with you. We are a team and I look forward to a meaningful academic and enjoyable year together.

Happy reading!


Mrs. Thain

P.S Just a reminder that on September 23rd we have a Professional Learning Day for teachers so there will not be classes for students. * Be sure to bring your book home! :)

September Reading Goals

Just a reminder that students will be setting and sharing their reading and writing goals with me. This week we will be recording our reading rates too. 
I would encourage students to talk with their loved ones about their reading and writing goals. 
Have a good day!
Mrs. Thain 

June 27th

Just a reminder, if you have any library books or classroom library books, please return them.
Thank you and have a good day.
Mrs. Thain :)
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Joseph Addison.

Week of June 13th

Grade Eight Writing/Speaking Assessment due on Monday, June 13th. Thank you for your efforts in class each day. I look forward to seeing your finished product.
Grade 7: Poetic Devices and Send a Message Unit Continues. Please continue to read two hours each week.
If you have not finished your final reading ladder yet, I will be collecting them on Thursday.
Thank you and have a good day!
Mrs. Thain

May 17th Update

8F and 8E:  Thank you for sharing your sequels to Lisa with me. I am enjoying your character development, authentic plot twists and creativity. Please read for 2 hours each week and don't forget to ask your parents and friends for suggestions for their favorite debate tips and topics.
Thank you!
Mrs. Thain :)
7E and 7F LA: Happy reading and be sure to talk to your parents about our new Send a Message theme!
Thank you!
Mrs. Thain :)

Up to May 9th

Just a reminder for students in 8E and 8F that your writing assignment is due on May 9th. This is your sequel to Lisa by Carol Matas. If you have any questions about the handout or our outcomes being covered, please let me know.
* Reminder to aim for 2 hours each week at home reading. Thanks! :)
7E and 7F: At home reading continues each week. This week we will be wrapping up our writing assignment on character's actions, thinking and speaking in your good copies. We used Freak the Mighty as our model helping us get to know Max and Kevin. I hope you enjoyed this read aloud as much as I did. :)
Mrs. Thain

Up to March 10th

Students in grade 7 and 8 are completing CASI Reading Assessments this week. These assessments are diagnostic only so will not impact SAS grades.
All students are reminded of the two hour at home reading requirement to build fluency, stamina and increase word choice.

Grade 8:
Next steps: Giving and receiving instructions will be a Foundational Learning Outcome for grade 8. Start thinking about a task that you feel comfortable with and feel capable of explaining how to do. See our Language and Writing books for suggestions too.

Grade 7: Next steps  we will be reading and responding to literal questions in text and working on our sentence structure. As you are reading, use a sticky note to jot down a sentence that catches your attention. Why did you like it? Was it powerful? Surprising? Nice supporting details? Funny?
If you find a sentence that you love...let me know! I am always looking for nice quotes too.:)

February 24th update

Thank you to all students for sharing your progress with me on your reading ladders. Keep reading and know that I am proud of you. :)
Grade 7: Fears and Phobias Writing Assignments due February 25th
Grade 8: If you have not yet submitted your persuasive essay, please see me.
Thank you and have a good day.
Mrs. Thain :)

Up to January 29th

Important dates to share with you are:
8F LA January 25th Speaking and Listening Presentations 
7F LA January 27th: Best book of 2015
7E LA January 28th: Same as 7F
8E LA January 29th: Same as 8F

Students may share their presentations live in class, with a partner or they may record a brief video and email it to me. :)
Students have received rubrics and samples to guide them through the assignments. 

Two hours per week at home reading remains the goal to build stamina and fluency. I have been very impressed with student and parental support. Thank you so very much!

Mrs. Thain :)

January Update 2016

8E and 8F:  Three classes were spent in the computer lab  to help you complete your Halifax Explosion Historical Narrative. Our due date remains Tuesday, January 12th. If you were out due to illness and you have any questions, please let me know and I will help you get caught up when you are feeling better.

P.S Two hour at home reading initiative remains for all LA students.

7F LA: Your Photo Essays will be completed in our large computer lab and your Speaking presentations will be on January 27th. I look forward to your "Operation Awesome Book Talks". :)

Thank you and have a good day.

Mrs. Thain :)