In November, we worked a unit about Resiliency, which is the ability to bounce back from failure or tough times. Students wrote about a time when they failed, analyzed how they reacted, and thought about being resilient. We analyzed a poem by Langston Hughes, "Mother to Son", discussed and analyzed the use of symbols in literature/poems, and applied those ideas to our writing. Students also had to write about a time when their parents gave them advice about life, much like the mother in the poem. Their finished books were impressive and moving.
Students have been working on their independent reading in a variety of ways. First the read a novel of their choice, and then they wrote a lengthy book review on it. It was refreshing to hear their opinions and see the varied reading interests. Students had to read a book, take notes, write a summary, share their favorite part, and rate the book. They did such a good job and worked hard. For our second project, students have to read a book of their choice, and then they will give a short book talk that will tell us a bit about their book and make us want to read it. Students have been reading silently in class on a regular basis and also at home in order to finish their book on time. I met with each student on Friday to conference on their book talk plan. Students will give their book talks next week. Students are on track and seem excited to share what they are reading with their class. We have also started a "Graffiti Wall" where students can write their suggestions of favorite books for others to check out. Many students are into reading graphic novels--we just can't seem to get enough! We will get into the library next week for check out so students can do more independent reading over Winter Break.
My Advanced Language Arts class continues to steamroll through their Oregon Battle of the Books readings. They are into their third of four books they will read by the end of January. It has been fascinating to sit in on their book club/literature circle discussions. They have had rich conversations and have read books that they normally may never have chosen on their own. For book number 2, they each had to write maximum 2 page book review. Their reviews have been wonderful to read and they have written in an insightful way as they discuss connecting with characters and evaluating the merit of the book. Currently, they are reading book #3 to be finished before Winter Break. Students are getting much better at their discussion skills and in working collaboratively. For each book they set group rules for how they will operate, plan how much to read each week, actively participate in their discussion, and take lengthy notes (which are due at the end of the month when they have finished the reading of their book). After January, students will work with other 7th and 8th graders to make teams for Battle of the Books.
For both classes, we completed our first round of state testing in reading last week. Now we are working on our new unit about folktales, legends, and myths. We are discussing the purpose of stories and moving into studying Greek Mythology and its impact on literature and language. We will also study and research components of Greek Mythology as well as Greek and Latin roots for improving our vocabulary skills. So far we are reading local legends and just read one called "Horsetail Falls and Beacon Rock." I think it is important for them to connect to places where we live. First we did some creative writing around making up their own stories for the giant rock in the photo, then we read the Native American legend to see how they explained how Beacon Rock came to be. Next we will be doing some reading comprehension from the story by highlighting key parts of the story, answering comprehension questions, summarizing the story in our own words, and discussing the purpose of the story.
Students are doing a great job of working hard and staying focused as we move into our Winter Break. I am very proud of their efforts!
"We read to know we are not alone." --C.S. Lewis |
