Ms. Krodman

Periods 5 and 7 What's in a Name? Project

As part of our research standard, students researched the origins and meanings of their names. Research was done using assigned websites, but students could have sought out other information as well. They were assigned to interview their parents asking five questions of their choosing from a list we brainstormed in class.

They will now put all of their information together into two assignments. 1:  a poster creatively presenting the research information  2:  a paragraph presenting the same information with a few additional ideas.

Here is the Name project rubric for both. Students will need to purchase a posterboard for the project. We will work on these in class for the remainder of the week. They may discuss and brainstorm at home. Any work not completed by the end of the week can be done at home. Both assignments are due on December 17.

Periods 5 and 7

We have begun the expository/research unit with the study of names. Students have researched selected websites for the meaning and origin of their first, middle, and last names. The classes also brainstormed a list of questions that they could ask parents about how their names were chosen.

Homework: Each student is to choose 5 questions from the list below, or make up their own questions, and write the answers on their graphic organizers. They will prepare a product (assignment coming) to demonstrate their research.

• Who decided my name?
• What was your second choice of names for me?
• Was my name the only one you could com up with?

Why did you give me this name?

What was your first idea of a name for me?

Did you choose the name ahead of time?

Which parent chose the name?

How long did it take you to think of my name?

Have I ever had a nickname?

How far back does this name go in our family?

If you read this all the way to the end, say the magic word (flounder) for a piece of candy or two bees, your choice.

 

Johnson/Krodman Period 6

Download Expository writing information

We have begun the expository research unit. Students have chosen or been assigned a topic. Parents provided permission before any student was allowed to research a controversial topic. In case students misplace any of the handouts that will be provided for this unit click on the downloadable forms at the top of this post.

Krodman Periods 5 and 7

Today we began the 100 minute mock writing assessment that all seventh graders are completing. The prompt and a rubric were provided and explained. Students were to prepare some type of graphic organizer: web, brainstorming list, venn diagram, two column notes, etc. They were allowed 15 minutes for that portion of the simulation. Lined paper was provided for the draft. The remainder of the 50 minutes for pre-write will be completed in class tomorrow, with the final 50 minutes being given for copying and revising. Students who have an extended time accommodation may need to come in early for additional time. Parents: these situations will be handled individually via email if necessary.

Thursday we will take the persuasive test. Study guides and information were posted last week.

THERE WILL BE NO DGP QUIZ THIS WEEK!

Holloway/Krodman Periods 3 and 4

Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday, November 19. Don't forget to complete the Tree and Leaf organizer that you will turn in on quiz day. Grades have been posted on Pinnacle for the Two by Two Choice Board activity. Some of these were awesome!

Period 6

Three to Five thank you notes are due tomorrow written to your writing group. All of you have the assignment printed on the small green paper that was passed out in class.

Periods 5 and 7

DGP Quiz tomorrow.

CP, MP, and PS have jump drives at home to save completed persuasive letters to. Come prepared to print and conference with me tomorrow. After the quiz, we will make final revisions and print.

Johnson/Krodman Period 6

After workshopping the draft of the Name Piece today, tonight's homework is to come to class tomorrow prepared to read your piece aloud in the "writing community." That means: have your final product tomorrow!

Periods 5 and 7

Here is a Study Guide for the persuasive test. Along with the descriptions on the study guide, you should know the following vocabulary and parts of a persuasive paper:

 

• Thesis statement: a declarative sentence that sums up your argument
• Hook: a way to capture the attention of the audience
• Fact: information that can be checked or verified
• Audience: the targeted group for an author's or speaker's message
• Opinion: a point of view that someone holds
• Closing: the last paragraph of a persuasive (or any) paper; sums up all the points made and restates the thesis.
• Counter-argument: the other side of the position an author is proposing; should be acknowledged in the paper
• Refute: the author's argument against the counter-argument to support his/her position

Also,the persuasive appeals:

• Ethical appeal: appeals to the values and ideas that all support: justice, honesty; demonstrates strong reasoning
• Logical appeal: presentation of statistics and research to present an idea or product
• Emotional appeal: targets feelings by creating heart warming images or statements; uses strong adjectives

Holloway/Krodman Periods 3 and 4

The Ideas go Marching Two by Two Choice Board products are due on Friday and will be a classwork grade.