Good morning, parents & guardians!
Has it been another three weeks?! Here's another update on what we're trying in ELA...
- Thanks to Mrs. Fahnoe and the A.H. library, we were able to learn more from Dan Gemeinhart, the author of our summer reading books! He created an engaging 40-minute presentation, and your children shared some valuable lessons they learned from him. Please ask them about this - it's so great to see them apply real-life lessons to their own lives. This week, we were able to attend a Q & A session with the author live!
- We finished a book together! Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds was a quick book written in prose, and it got your child thinking, for sure. I heard more voices with each chapter - students shared their thoughts, asked questions, and I stayed out of the discussion as best I could. We also wrote our thoughts many of those days on our "reader response" document. We're asking for a minimum of one thoughtful paragraph that shows us what students are understanding.
- We still have BOOKS! If your child does not have a book, please encourage them to look at their list of books they might like to read (on Google Classroom), and see if you can get them to the AHML. If not, we still have the book pickup from the LMC, and I believe I have a few books in the office for students who have asked. Reading, reading, reading and MORE reading is the best way to improve reading and writing skills, so we'll be reading each day IN class and students are now expected to read at least 10 minutes a night outside of class.
- We're still trying quick writes, building our writing stamina, and we're jotting down different "moments that matter." We brainstorm moments, then write about one of them. We'll elaborate on one of them later in the term. We're trying strong verbs for more "showing" vs. "telling." I love learning more about your child, and I love hearing more of them share.
- We still have high attendance rates and more students have their videos on unless tech is giving them issues. I LOVE it when those who need their video off use the chat feature to express their ideas and show me they're still in class. We still deal with connection issues, distractions from the learning environment, and "absent" students who are on screen. I'll continue to do the best I can, while offering more screen breaks. All of our resources are on Schoology under "Today's Plans" and the plans will always be available under the button "All Plans" on Schoology. I encourage everyone to revise what they can, and I do not penalize for late work.
- I'm slowing my speech due to connection issues with a few students. I'm extending time needed to switch activities and open documents. Your children are teaching ME how to be more patient.
- I think I'm growing an extra eye... either that or your children are figuring things out better on their own!
As always, please reach out if you need anything, and know that I am truly appreciative of your efforts and your child's efforts - daily. ️
Has it been another three weeks?! Here's another update on what we're trying in ELA...
- Thanks to Mrs. Fahnoe and the A.H. library, we were able to learn more from Dan Gemeinhart, the author of our summer reading books! He created an engaging 40-minute presentation, and your children shared some valuable lessons they learned from him. Please ask them about this - it's so great to see them apply real-life lessons to their own lives. This week, we were able to attend a Q & A session with the author live!
- We finished a book together! Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds was a quick book written in prose, and it got your child thinking, for sure. I heard more voices with each chapter - students shared their thoughts, asked questions, and I stayed out of the discussion as best I could. We also wrote our thoughts many of those days on our "reader response" document. We're asking for a minimum of one thoughtful paragraph that shows us what students are understanding.
- We still have BOOKS! If your child does not have a book, please encourage them to look at their list of books they might like to read (on Google Classroom), and see if you can get them to the AHML. If not, we still have the book pickup from the LMC, and I believe I have a few books in the office for students who have asked. Reading, reading, reading and MORE reading is the best way to improve reading and writing skills, so we'll be reading each day IN class and students are now expected to read at least 10 minutes a night outside of class.
- We're still trying quick writes, building our writing stamina, and we're jotting down different "moments that matter." We brainstorm moments, then write about one of them. We'll elaborate on one of them later in the term. We're trying strong verbs for more "showing" vs. "telling." I love learning more about your child, and I love hearing more of them share.
- We still have high attendance rates and more students have their videos on unless tech is giving them issues. I LOVE it when those who need their video off use the chat feature to express their ideas and show me they're still in class. We still deal with connection issues, distractions from the learning environment, and "absent" students who are on screen. I'll continue to do the best I can, while offering more screen breaks. All of our resources are on Schoology under "Today's Plans" and the plans will always be available under the button "All Plans" on Schoology. I encourage everyone to revise what they can, and I do not penalize for late work.
- I'm slowing my speech due to connection issues with a few students. I'm extending time needed to switch activities and open documents. Your children are teaching ME how to be more patient.
- I think I'm growing an extra eye... either that or your children are figuring things out better on their own!
As always, please reach out if you need anything, and know that I am truly appreciative of your efforts and your child's efforts - daily. ️