Can we get some finger snaps!?

Our learning...and some homework

As part of our learning about WWI, we studied varying perspectives about conscription.  Following a "tea party" format, we each received write-ups that presented us with a character, a history and a perspective about conscription.  We had to study and assume the role of our characters as we mingled with each other at a "tea party".  We introduced ourselves and then engaged in conversations about our history and our opinions about conscription. We had to meet at least two other people, and listen to their points of view.  Once we had mingled for a bit, each student had the responsibility of sharing someone else's story and opinion about conscription.  Finally, with the information we learned, and after learning about differing perspectives about conscription, we wrote an persuasive paragraph, supporting our own points of view.
These paragraphs are due tomorrow:)

Propaganda Posters WWI

In sciences humaines, we have been learning about WWI. The picture below illustrates our shared write about propaganda posters from WWI, specifically, their audience, purpose and the strategies that the artist used to accomplish his/her purpose. 

Following the shared write, students wrote in groups of two, then independently, about the posters that are illustrated to the right of our shared piece.

We are poets, we are artists...

We have been busy getting in touch with our artistic sides in ELA.  After we finished our book reviews, we were excited to get creative with our writing.  Published pieces are due tomorrow, so stay tuned for more pics!

Well April happened....

and we learned SO much!  It has been the craziest month EVER but we are ready to share what we have been up to!

In ELA, we learned about the criteria of a book review by studying reviews done by Kirkus and School Library Review, to name a couple. Once we had read a few mentor texts and noticed what good reviewers did, we began to write a book review for "Freak the Mighty", a class novel that we read in the fall.  We broke down our review into 4 parts: introduction (nugget), summary, evaluation (opinion), closing (the verdict).  We moved from shared write to independent writing for each part of the summary.

We moved from shared write to independent writing for each part of the summary. Students chose a novel to review of the independent write.  After MUCH revising and editing,  students have each published (or almost published) their own reviews which I will be posting to the blog and in our school library so that we encourage (or discourage) our peers to read the texts that
we have been reading.

Here is what we thought of Freak the Mighty:

Book Review: Freak the Mighty

Author: Rodman Philbrick

By: Room 205

A novel as intriguing as it’s title, Freak the Mighty is a powerful and uplifting story of two unlikely heroes who become fast friend despite their very obvious differences.  Max, an abnormally large, dim-witted teenage boy lives with his grandparents, Grim and Gram.  With a father in prison and a deceased mother, Max’s life is anything but a fairytale until Kevin (Freak), a pint-sized genius, moves in next door.  Together, they go on adventures where they embark on quests, “slay dragons”, and return purses to damsels in distress.  With Freak on Max’s shoulders, they become Freak the Mighty and a life-changing friendship is formed.

Readers will find Max and Freak bizarre yet inspiring as author, Rodman Philbrick tells their compelling story of friendship and overcoming adversity in a young adult novel that does not disappoint.  His ability to pain pictures with words brings the characters, and the world they live in to life.  With plot twists, although somewhat predictable, at seemingly every turn of the page, Philbrick is still able to keep his audience at the edge of their seats.  Readers should be aware of some vocabulary, though likely chosen intentionally, may make them feel uncomfortable.

VERDICT: A recommended book for readers who adore adventure and suspense. This novel, despite it’s lack luster cover, should be in every middle school’s library, “and that’s the truth, the whole truth, the unvanquished truth…is how Freak would say it…” (Philbrick, Rodman)

Welcome Back!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful spring break!  We have only been back a couple of days but we are already hard at work!
In ELA we have been working at creating a class book review of the novel Freak the Mighty.  As a group, we did a shared write of the summary portion of the book and now students are beginning to write their own based on a book of their choosing.
In FLA, we have continued on with our journey of procedural writing. Students are just finishing up their rough drafts for a procedural writing of their choice based on the class exemplar for slime.

Homework: Both rough drafts will be due tomorrow as we will be working towards revising and editing our work for future publication.  Stay tuned!

Spring Break!!!

Wishing everyone a wonder spring break!

All the kiddos are coming home with a teeny, tiny bit of homework:)

In sciences humaines, students have been asked to present their Memorable Manitoban speech to someone at home.  It's OK if you don't understand a word they say because the purpose is for them to seek feedback about their effectiveness as presenters.
Are they expressive?  Do they use eye contact?  Are they loud enough to be heard?  Are they engaging?
Please give their presentation a listen and give them some constructive feedback about how to be a more effective and engaging speaker.