This is our last ELA update for 2015-2016! How did THAT happen?!
Last week, we finished reading The Outsiders, and then had some FABULOUS fishbowl discussions with questions students had while reading. They went back into the text for evidence / proof of their claims, listened to one another, and shared their ideas respectfully. We've come a LONG way regarding communication skills.
This past week we presented our Genius Hour projects. I think your child has learned that we're focusing more on the PROCESS rather than the product. I also hope your child has learned more about HOW to learn, and become more interested in learning on his or her own... It was also great speaking practice - in front of TWO classes of students (Mr. Slowinski joined up with us). Thank you to all of the parents who were able to take time out of their schedules to attend!
I asked for feedback from your child in a survey (or two), and I've got a tiny one for YOU right HERE! Scouring through student and parent feedback helps me grow as a teacher - no matter how many years I've taught. All surveys this year were anonymous, so everyone feels that they can be heard without judgment. Please take a few minutes to answer these two questions.
Monday we'll be watching "The Outsiders," and Tuesday we'll be having team activities and saying "so long" until August. Just a reminder - students in my last class have chosen their own comments for their grade reports (although I may have snuck one in myself this time, as well) that will be coming home on Tuesday.
If your child still has books from the TMS LMC or books from room 239, please have them returned ASAP so our book shelves can once again appear enticing for the next group of 7th graders. Thank you for all of your participation, emails, suggestions, and honesty this past school year. I truly appreciate it. Enjoy your summer, and let me know if you ever need anything for your child!
Last week, we finished reading The Outsiders, and then had some FABULOUS fishbowl discussions with questions students had while reading. They went back into the text for evidence / proof of their claims, listened to one another, and shared their ideas respectfully. We've come a LONG way regarding communication skills.
This past week we presented our Genius Hour projects. I think your child has learned that we're focusing more on the PROCESS rather than the product. I also hope your child has learned more about HOW to learn, and become more interested in learning on his or her own... It was also great speaking practice - in front of TWO classes of students (Mr. Slowinski joined up with us). Thank you to all of the parents who were able to take time out of their schedules to attend!
I asked for feedback from your child in a survey (or two), and I've got a tiny one for YOU right HERE! Scouring through student and parent feedback helps me grow as a teacher - no matter how many years I've taught. All surveys this year were anonymous, so everyone feels that they can be heard without judgment. Please take a few minutes to answer these two questions.
Monday we'll be watching "The Outsiders," and Tuesday we'll be having team activities and saying "so long" until August. Just a reminder - students in my last class have chosen their own comments for their grade reports (although I may have snuck one in myself this time, as well) that will be coming home on Tuesday.
If your child still has books from the TMS LMC or books from room 239, please have them returned ASAP so our book shelves can once again appear enticing for the next group of 7th graders. Thank you for all of your participation, emails, suggestions, and honesty this past school year. I truly appreciate it. Enjoy your summer, and let me know if you ever need anything for your child!