Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Getting Started

With the changeover to Schoology, it's been a little less convenient to find me online. I am hoping to communicate this address to a number of you at Open House tonight and will work to keep it updated, at least with a copy of the students' Daily News each day.

Here are the Daily News postings for the year so far. These appear on the front board as student's come into class each day. They give you a general idea of what we are doing in class. You will notice a difference between the OT posting (oriole time, at start of day), the SL (standard level) and the AL (advanced level).  Hopefully this gives you a bit of an insight into our class!



OT:
23 September 2014


Hello,


Today we will look over the Rules and Beliefs for the 2014-15 school year and the new Fix-it plan.  Then, we will check out CNN student news! We are NOT making a circle :)


Sign in by telling me one school rule you believe strongly in.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge






AL: 

23 September 2014


Hello Students,


Our plan for today begins with getting our second vocab lesson. You will need to put the words and the Greek/ Latin roots into your notebook on pages 4 and 5. You will also receive the vocab assignment, which is due next Tuesday, 9/ 30.  Getting back to our reading, we will read and discuss “Louisa, Please Come Home”.


Please sign in with a favorite character from a book you have read recently.


Have out your notebooks and a writing utensil.


Thanks,
Ms. Zumberge
LT: I can identify the internal conflict in “Louisa, Please Come Home”.



SL: 

23 September 2014


Hello Students,


Our plan for today begins with getting our second vocab lesson. You will need to put the words and the Greek/ Latin roots into your notebook on pages 4 and 5. Next, we will finish reading “Louisa, Please Come Home”.  Then we will be taking a quiz on character and conflict for “Louisa.”


Please sign in with one term you remember from yesterday’s notes.


Have out your notebooks and a writing utensil.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge


LT: I can identify the internal conflict in “Louisa, Please Come Home”.



OT:

22 September 2014
Greetings,


This week we’re setting out to prove that school can be meaningful and fun. Be thinking about what is the purpose and purview of education. Why is it a law in our country that all children must be educated in either a public, private, or home school?

Please sign in and tell me your favorite class so far this year.
Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge







AL: 

22 September 2014


Welcome to Monday morning,


Today we will be reading “Voice of America,” and taking notes on the elements of fiction: character and conflict. You will be taking a brief quiz on character as it applies to “Voice of America”.  Next, you will begin reading a new short story, “Louisa, Please Come Home”.


Please sign in by telling me another name for the main character of a story.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge


Learning Target: I can describe a variety of character types in “Voice of America”







SL:

22 September 2014


Welcome to Monday morning,


Today we will taking notes on the elements of fiction: character and conflict. Next, you will begin reading a new short story, “Louisa, Please Come Home”.


Please sign in and tell me a favorite character from a story or book you’ve read.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge


Learning Target: I have the definitions for a variety of character types and conflict and can explain how these elements impact a story.






OT:

19 September 2014


Hello OT Students,


Today Mr. Burr’s class is coming to play butt volly-ball with us. Please arrange the desks for the game!


Sign in by telling me one thing you will do this weekend.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge












AL: 

19 September 2014


Hello Students,


Today we will take our vocabulary quiz and correct it. We will finish the story we started reading yesterday. Then we will take notes on character. Finally, we will have our circle of acknowledgement.


Sign in by telling me your favorite vocabulary word for this lesson.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge

Learning Target: I will correctly identify definitions and use context clues for my vocabulary words.



SL:

19 September 2014


Hello Students,


Today we will take our vocabulary quiz and correct it. We will finish our “Landlady” posters. Then we will take notes on character. Finally, we will have our circle of acknowledgement.


Sign in by telling me how many “signs” you have on your poster.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge

Learning Target: I will correctly identify definitions and use context clues for my vocabulary words.





AL:

18 September 2014


Hello Students,


Today we will spend some time at the beginning finishing up our “20 Signs” poster.  Then we will start reading a new short story, “Voice of America.”


Sign in by telling me how many “signs” you and your partner wrote yesterday.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge

Learning Target: I can identify examples of foreshadowing in a short story.


HOMEWORK: Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow!!






SL:

18 September 2014


Hello Students,


Today we will be playing Jeopardy to review for our vocabulary quiz tomorrow.


Sign in by telling me your favorite vocabulary word for this lesson.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge

Learning Target: I feel confident about knowing the definitions of my vocabulary words.


HOMEWORK: Study for your vocabulary quiz tomorrow!! Make flash cards.




OT:

16 September 2014


Hello OT Students,


Today we will be doing current events. Yay! Student News day!


Sign in by telling me one thing you learned yesterday.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge











AL/ SL:

16 September 2014
Hello students,


Today we will review the plot charts we filled out yesterday. Then we will be taking a quick note in our notebooks, and starting a new short story, “The Landlady.”


Sign in by telling me one of the complications from “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
Open your notebook to your Elements of Fiction notes (p 31) and write down:
Foreshadowing- clues/ hints dropped by the author. Helps us guess what is going to happen.


Get your notebooks and something to write with.
Advanced: Get your vocab homework out and ready to hand in.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge
Learning Target: I can summarize plot points for “The Landlady.”


On a half sheet of paper, please answer the following questions:


  1. Which of the following is a possible theme for this story?
  1. Lonely people can do deranged things.
  2. A man checks into a bed and breakfast and meets a creepy landlady.
  3. If you are in a place that gives you the creeps, don’t stick around.


  1. Tell me why you selected that answer for your theme.


  1. Which of the following is the climax of the story?
  1. When Billy Weaver rings the doorbell
  2. When he sees the parrot and realizes it is dead.
  3. When, at the end, Billy realizes he is the only one staying at the hotel.
















AL/ SL: 

15 September 2014
Welcome Students,


Hopefully you had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Today we will begin by reviewing  plot and theme of “Tell Tale Heart.”  Next, we will learn about foreshadowing and, if there is time, start to  read “The Landlady”.


Please sign in with your name and answer: Did you think “Tell Tale Heart” was a creepy story?


You should have your notebook and a writing utensil out.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge


Learning target: I can identify examples of foreshadowing in “The Landlady” and can map out the plot of “Tell Tale Heart”.








OT:

12 September 2014


Hello OT,


Today you will have some free time to work on homework, talk, or play ball in the hall.


Sign in by telling me one thing you will do this weekend.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge





























AL/ SL:

12 September 2014


Hello Students,


Today we will be starting our first short story, “The Tell Tale Heart.” Then we will be working on a plot outline and theme for the story. Finally, we will be doing our first Circle of Acknowledgment for the year.


Sign in by identifying one part of a plot outline. (Hint: There are 4 parts to a plot)


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge

Learning Target: I can identify different parts of a plot, and articulate a theme.


HOMEWORK: Standard Level -  Study vocabulary words; make flash cards


Advanced Level - Work on Vocabulary Worksheet and get definitions in your
       notebooks.






Check-in:  You may use scratch paper. Be sure to put your first and last name at the top.


1)  Which of the following is a possible theme for “Tell Tale Heart”


  1. Don’t show off after you’ve committed a crime.
  2. Sometimes in life, our inner impulses get the best of us.
  3. A mad man kills his landlord over a bad eye.


2)  Explain your answer using points from today’s discussion.
3)  Summarize two complications from the story.














AL/ SL:

11 September 2014


Hello Students,


Today we will be using our notebooks to take notes on our first “Elements of Fiction”: plot and theme.  


Sign in with a “Yes” or a “No” to tell me if you studied plot in Language Arts last year.


Have out your notebooks and something to write with.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge


Learning Target:  I can identify different parts of a plot and define theme.



















OT: 

10 September 2014
Good morning,


Happy Birthday! Oh, it’s not your birthday? Well, today we are going to talk about how we will celebrate when it is. Also, we are going to work on our class rules poster.


Please sign in and write one thing you like to eat on your birthday.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge







AL/ SL:

10 September 2014


Greetings,


Your notebook will be an important learning tool in Language and Literature class. Today you will learn how they should be set up and stored. Next, we will begin our vocabulary studies. The quiz on these words will be next Friday. But first, I want to talk about the grading of the “I Am From” poem.


Sign in with a YES or NO to tell me if you finished, and shared, your “I Am From” poem yesterday.


Please have your notebook out, along with a pencil. Binders should be under your desk.


Learning target: I can organize a notebook to reach maximum utility, and understand the procedures for weekly vocabulary.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge








Take a seat at your assigned computer number :)















OT: 

9 September 2014


Good morning,


Today we are going to reflect on what’s been going well so far this school year. After OT we will send our two representatives to help make the school agreements.


Please sign in and write something positive from the first week of school next to your name.
Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge














OT:

8 September 2014


Aloha,


Here we are, at the start of the second week of school. I hope you all had a relaxing weekend.


Today we are going to greet each other in a language other than English.  Let’s see how many different languages we can use. We will also continue our work on the school rules and beliefs.


Have a great week,
Ms. Zumberge




AL/ SL:


8 September 2014


Hello,


Today we will be creating our class rules using a method similar to the one used in OT. It will be important to be a good listener and a good communicator in order to create rules that work for everyone.


Sign in under the skill that you think you will make the most effort on to have a successful day:
listening                       communicating


Learning target: I understand how to make this a positive learning environment for everyone.

Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge




AL/ SL:

5  September 2014


Hello,


Today you will take pictures for the background of your “I Am From” poem. Before you take the photo, think about how you want the finished product to look, how easy it will be to read text over the picture, and what you want the picture to show about your personality.


Please take a seat at the computer that corresponds to your number.


Learning Target: I can use technology to enhance my poetry.


Thank you,
Ms. Zumberge

OT:

5 September 2014


Good morning,


Wednesday we came up with positive statements to guide our behavior this year. These statements are going to be combined with statements from other OT’s and eventually we will have a school wide agreement for our behavior. Today we are going to vote on our favorite statements and choose a person to represent us in a meeting with the other OT’s. Write your name next to your number and circle it if you are interested in being a student representative from our OT. Have a great day!


1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11. 12.
13. 14. 15. 16.
17. 18. 19.






AL/ SL:

4 September 2014


Today you will be sharing some information about yourself that will help me to be the best teacher I can be for you. The more information you share with me, the more useful this activity will be.


Please sign in and write one thing you enjoy about “Language and Literature” class.

Learning Target: I can share things about my life that will help my teacher know me and teach me better.


Thanks,
Ms. Zumberge


AL/ SL:

3 September 2014


Welcome Back,


Today we will finish talking about rules in our class and I will be introducing the “I Am From” poem assignment.


Sign in with your first name and one thing we talked about in class yesterday.


Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge


Learning Target: I am prepared to complete the “I Am From” poem and know how to ask for help if I’m not prepared.



OT:

3 September 2014


Welcome Back,


Today we have a few things we need to do to get ready for the school year. We will be coming up with our goals and declarations, watch our bus safety video and take the test, get a lunchroom orientation, and run our Circle of Power and Respect.


Sign in with your first name and by giving a plus (+) or minus (-) to indicate how you feel about the following quote:


“ In order to succeed we must first believe that we can.” - Nikos Kazantzakis


- Ms. Zumberge









OT:

3 September 2014
Dear students,
Today we are going to think about how our values shape our actions. Please look over the list below. Which of these traits would you most like to be known for? Write by your name the three most important traits on this list.


*  Inquirers    * Knowledgeable       * Thinkers  * Communicators   * Principled * Open-Minded   * Caring  * Risk-takers  * Balanced * Reflective

Thank You,
Ms. Zumberge











Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Odd's and End's

NOTE: Vocab quiz moved to Wednesday 2/26!!

First, please be sure to follow these directions in order to print your poster from Safari!

Second, be sure that you have titled the poster correctly: hour first/last name Charity

Third, be sure that you have shared it with zumberge.lillian@apps.slpschools.org

Poster needs to be shared with me by end of the day on Wednesday. You need to have a printed copy with you for your presentation.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Instructions for final Charity Project

This video explains the expectations for the final project. Depending on how good you are with a computer, some steps may feel too basic. Don't worry about following each and every step, but they are there to help you if you need it.

I will post the rubric for the final product later today.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Wednesday's Directions!

Students-
  • You need to have your outline in front of you while you work today. That's on the off-white/ buff colored paper.
  • On your computer screen, you should have half the screen with NoodleTools open and the other half with your charity website, or Charity Navigator (depending on what you're working on)


Standard Level students, today you need to complete the following by the end of the class:
  1. Citations for 2 sources: your charity's website and your charity's page on Charity Navigator.
  2. 3 complete note cards, filled out correctly and given titles that are lined up with the points on the outline. 
High Level students, today you need to complete the following by the end of class: 
  1. Citations for 2 sources: your charity's website and your charity's page on Charity Navigator.
  2. 9 complete note cards, filled out correctly and given titles that are lined up with the points on the outline.
RTI pulls this week will be made based on the work you complete today. Mr. Holmbeck will be in to assist you. 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Charity Project

The first step in this research project is to choose a charity.

Rules:
-  You must be the only person in your class researching that charity
-  Your charity must have a website and financial information

You can go to Charity Navigator to explore possible charities.

Here are some options you can choose from. This is not a definitive list of options; you MAY choose something that is NOT on this list.


Doctors Without Borders, USA
American Red Cross
The Nature Conservancy
World Wildlife Fund
Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust
Disabled American Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation
United States Fund for UNICEF
World Vision
CARE
Save the Children
Oxfam America
Natural Resources Defense Council
Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Reasearch
New York Restoration Project
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
The Children's Health Fund
Teach for America
All Hands Volunteers
Challenged Athletes Foundation
City Harvest
National Military Fmaily Association
International Rescue Committee
Midwest Food Bank
Books for Africa
Project C.U.R.E.
Fisher House Foundation
Direct Relief
Step Up for Students
Second Harvest Food Bank
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
City of Hope
ALSAC- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Food for the Poor
American Cancer Society
Air Warrior Courage Foundation

You will need to go to the sign up sheet for your hour and type the charity you choose in the box next to your name. THIS WILL BE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. You must check to see that the charity you chose is not already listed next to someone else. If you are in conflict with another student, DO YOUR BEST TO WORK IT OUT WITHOUT MY GETTING INVOLVED. If you are unable to solve your problem, I will help out by assigning both of you a new charity.

2nd Hour Sign Up Page
4th Hour Sign Up Page
5th Hour Sign Up Page
7th Hour Sign UP Page
8th Hour Sign Up Page

Monday, February 3, 2014

"A Raisin in the Sun" Paragraph

The final draft of your "Raisin in the Sun" paragraph is due tomorrow.

Here are some tips:

Possible similes:
1.  Dry up like a raisin in the sun
2.  Fester like a sore and then run
3.  Stink like rotten meat
4.  Crust and sugar over with a syrupy sweet
5.  Sag like a heavy load
6.  Explode

Best characters to work with:
Walter
Mama
Ruth
Beneatha

Paragraph starter:
In Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun", the character of _____________ has a dream to ___________.  In the (beginning, middle, end) of the play _________________'s dream ____________________ (insert the simile there).

You may hand in a paper version, or share with me on google docs. Title it: your hour first and last name RITS. Example: 2 Lil Zumberge RITS