1. Monday 25 January 2016 We are learning: Sentence parts— transitive verbs and objects Latin Word Parts 3 In speaking and writing, support an opinion. Respond to reading through “writing and citing” Targets: By Friday: 1.I will rock my sentence parts skills quiz. (Thursday) 2.I will complete the word study practice. On the test I will spell the words correctly and know their meanings. (Thursday) 3.Seven written entries will be complete. 4.I will meet my daily reading goals.

2. Journaling to respond to historical fiction novels

3. What is a literacy circle? Group dynamics Keep the mood positive. Encourage each other. Support but do not copy. Group rules/expectations Each person takes a turn in discussions; everyone participates. Stay on task. Focus discussions on the reading. Take turns leading if necessary. Always start reading together at the lowest page number completed by any member of the group! NO SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will meet with literacy circles the first three days and the last two days of our reading. (three weeks) 3

4. Task 1-in your literacy circle Monday 25 January 2016 Together look at the front cover and read the back cover. Take turns answering the prompt: “why this book seems interesting” Take turns reading one full page each. Remember to read QUIETLY!!! Take turns making a comment about the reading so far.. For example, “This character seems…”or “I wonder if it takes place…”or … Take a second turn reading one half page each. Remember to read quietly! Take turns answering: what I like so far is_________ Return to your own work space and read on your own. Be ready to write the last ten minutes of this period. 4

5. Setting up the entries Get your spiral ready!!!!! Most entries will have two parts. This side will have a summary, a paraphrase, or a passage from the novel. Put passages in MLA format. The second part of the entry will be your response. You will interpret, evaluate, make connections or explain on this side.

6. Entry #1: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Monday 25 January 2016. Create a T-chart on the page. On the left side: On the right side: Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well- written. Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #). Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage. 6

7. Task 2A—Tuesday 26 January 2016 With your group, calendar your reading and set daily reading targets. For example, if our group is reading No Promises in the Wind and we want to finish reading in 10 school days, we would need to read 22-23 pages per day. 224 10 22.4 By day #5, we should be on page 112. 5 22.4 112 Fill in the calendar to reflect your reading schedule. Plan for 13 total reading days starting today. 7

8. Task 2B—Tuesday 26 January 2016: In your literacy circle group, do the following: Take turns answering and commenting on the discussion questions. Start at the lowest page read by any group member. Reread the next three pages of the book. Take turns reading a paragraph at a time. Stop! Return to your seat and read alone until you are asked to stop or (with permission) read quietly with a partner from your lit circle. Talk about what you know about the protagonist so far. Name the protagonist. What do you imagine this character looking like? What do you imagine this character acting like? What would be good about being this person’s friend? What do you want to know about this person that you don’t know so far? What is the main concern or challenge the protagonist faces? 8

9. Writing/grading Purposes: Respond to reading! Show your thinking and the connections you make to your reading. Practice citing textual evidence. Grading on numbered entries: Less than half a page; minimal connections = 5 points Half a page; connections to reading=7 points Full page; strong analysis/connections to reading=10 points When you finish writing, start to read at your last personal stopping point. Read as much as you can—NO LIMITS! You can always read additional books! 9

10. Entry #2: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Tuesday 26 January 2016. Create a T-chart on the page. On the left side: On the right side: Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that contains information about the protagonist. Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #). Talk about what you know about the protagonist so far. Name the protagonist. Use complete thoughts—casual voice. What do you imagine this character looking like? What do you imagine this character acting like? What would be good about being this person’s friend? What do you want to know about this person that you don’t know so far? What is the main concern or challenge the protagonist faces? When you finish writing, begin to read at your last personal stopping point. 10

11. Task 3 Wednesday 27 January: In your literacy circle group, do the following: Reread two pages of the book. Take turns reading a paragraph at a time. USE QUIET VOICES— LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE READING ALOUD! Stop—take turns answering and commenting on the discussion questions. Return to your seat and read alone (or with a partner) until you are asked to stop. Talk about what you know about the setting so far. What is the time/place of the book? What details show this didn’t happen in our day and age? Each of you find a passage that proves that and share with your group. Talk about what you know about the problem so far. What is bothering the main character? Do you think the character will be a hero or a victim in this story? 11

12. Writing/grading Remember!!!! Show your thinking and the connections you make to your reading. The more you write, the more I see what you understand! Practice citing textual evidence. Grading on numbered entries: Less than half a page; minimal connections = 5 points (50%=F) Half a page; connections to reading=7 points (70%=C-) Full page; strong analysis/connections to reading=10 points (100%=A+) When you finish writing, work on word study. It is due tomorrow. 12

13. Entry #3 Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Wednesday 27 January 2016 ON THE LEFT SIDE ON THE RIGHT SIDE Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that contains information about an authentic historical detail, like furniture, clothing, food, transportation, or something that represents that time period. Copy the passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. “Do it like this” (Last #). Tell what you have noticed about the setting so far. *What are you learning about this decade/time period? *What would you like about living in the 1930’s-1940’s? *What would be hard about living then? *How does this fit the non- fiction information we have read? Make a connection. 13 Word study when you finish! It is due tomorrow.

14. (START THIS AS SOON AS YOU FINISH YOUR SKILLS QUIZ) Checking in passage: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Thursday 28 January 2016. Create a T-chart on the page. On the left side: On the right side: Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well- written. Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #). Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage. When you finish, READ until the bell. 14

15. Think of TODAY’S reading. Which word best describes how your protagonist is feeling in today’s reading? unhappyafraid angrypositive Tell someone in your corner why you chose this word.

16. Entry #4 Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Thursday 28 January 2016 Think about the part of the story that you just read. Put yourself in the position of the protagonist of your story. Imagine what he/she might be feeling or thinking. Write a journal entry as if you were that character. Describe the situation and explain your thoughts and feelings. Write over half a page. Keep reading when done! By the end of class tomorrow, you should be 1/3 or more through your book! Keep up! ***This assignment could be used as the writing assignment for the final project. 16

17. Have your novel and spiral ready! Checking in passage: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral notebook—Friday 29 January 2016 Create a T-chart on the page. On the left side: On the right side: Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well- written. Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “Passage in exact words” (Last #). Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage. Continue reading your book. Let me know when you finish! 17

18. Entry 5: Friday 29 January 2016 Choose three events in your book. Choose a passage to represent each one. “When Carter met Lexie at the CCC Camp, he was surprised to see a girl there” (Martin 7). “Carter grimaced at the thought of what lay ahead for him on the work crew” (Martin 145). “Returning home was sweeter than anything Carter imagined it would be. The last traces of dust were being replaced with shoots of wheat springing up in rows as far as he could see” (Martin 297). 18

19. Entry 5: Do your citations first and then work on the sketches. Color your sketch and/or add background. Be sure the events are in order! When you finish, read or work on entries. 19 Spirals will be collected on Monday! Be sure you have every day from this week in your spiral! If you need to make up a day, walk over to the agenda board for instructions (take a picture with your tablet or phone!) *50% minimal; no color; stick figures *70% details; some color *100%=color; background; lots of detail

20. Have your ORANGE calendar and PINK warm up papers out! Get your novel, too! Monday 1 February 2016 We are learning: Sentence parts—direct and indirect objects Prefixes In speaking and writing, support an opinion. Respond to reading through “writing and citing” Targets: By Friday: 1.I will rock my sentence parts skills quiz. (Thursday) 2.I will complete the word study practice and memorize number prefixes for the test. (Thursday) 3.Five written entries will be complete. 4.I will meet my daily reading goals. Reminder! February 4 (Thursday) is the deadline for any grades in Semester Two so far!

21. START THIS RIGHT AFTER FINISHING SIDE 2 WORD STUDY/CHECKING KEY. Checking in passage: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page — Monday 1 February 2016 Create a T-chart on the page. On the left side: On the right side: Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well- written. Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “passage in exact words” (Last #). Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage. Continue reading. Let me know when you get done with a book! 21

22. Entry #6 Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page in your spiral—Monday 1 February 2016. Do the entry. ( When you finish writing, read from your last personal stopping point.) On the left side: On the right side: Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that contains some really great description… (could be about a character, setting, event, feelings, etc.). Copy the passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. “Do it like this” (Last #). Paraphrase the passage. Explain what you were thinking and feeling when you read this part. Describe the picture you see in your mind. As best you can, sketch what you imagine that to be like. Include a background (coloring is optional). 22

23. Which entries will be graded? 1. Protagonist description (last Tuesday) 2. Setting and problem description (last Wednesday) 3. Journal entry from protagonist’s voice (last Thursday) 4. Story map—three events in order (last Friday) 5. Paraphrase, explain, describe. (Today!) Take a last look over these entries and select your best one. *This entry should be your best/most thought provoking work. Correct all obvious errors. Add as much as you want before the bell rings. Grading on numbered entries: Less than half a page; minimal connections = 5 points (50%=F) Half a page; connections to reading=7 points (70%=C-) Full page; strong analysis/connections to reading=10 points (100%=A+) 23

24. Spiral Grading 24 1. Make sure your first and last name is on the front cover OR inside of the front cover. 2. You will get a score for entries completed and a score for best entry. 3. Open to the one page you would like graded from last week (entries 2-5). *This entry should be your best/most thought provoking work from last week. 4. Write your name and put a star at the top of your best entry! 5. You will put your spiral in the box on the back desk when you walk out.

25. Checking in: —Tuesday 2 February 2016 1. If you could pick one word that would really fit your protagonist, what would that word be? Why would it fit? Use examples from the text to demonstrate why that word would fit this character. 2. Each partner share a word and the situation that proves that trait. 3. When you finish, return to your own work space. In your spiral, make a bulleted list of 10+ words that describe your character. 4. READ (When you finish your book, tell me!) 25 braveresourcefulmusical ambitiouscheerfulhard-working enduranceconfusedhonest

26. Entry #7 Turn to a clean sheet in your spiral notebook. Add the day and date. Tuesday 2 February 2016 Think about a character in your novel that you admire. Think about the experiences he or she has had in this novel. Consider our unit questions: How does external conflict affect us? How do individuals demonstrate perseverance? What character traits help us face challenges? Write a note to the character telling him/her what you admire about the struggles he/she had to face in this story. What happened to this person that made you admire him/her? Write about the traits this character showed (determination, bravery, etc.) What would you have thought/felt if you were that person? Would you have handled the situation differently? Tell that person why or why not! Make your note at least half a page long. (If you want to add a citation from the novel, you could.) Let the character know why you admire him/her! Continue reading when done. 26

27. 2 February 2016 Hi Carter, I’m reading about your adventures in the book Dust Memories. It seemed like it was such a hard time for you and your family. Farming would have been so discouraging with no rain ever and having so many crops fail. I thought it was awesome of you to leave home to find work at a CCC camp. I didn’t know the government had special work camps for boys during that time. I think it would have been scary to leave home and work on your own. You did not make much money and most of it was sent home to your parents. I use my money for candy and movies so that really made me think about how hard times must have been. “Carter wrote a letter to his mom and encouraged her to buy shoes for herself with part of the money” (Martin 78). You must have felt discouraged sometimes when you didn’t even get to see the money you were earning. I admired how unselfish and hard-working you were. I wish I were more like that. You were a hero to overcome the difficulties of living during the Dust Bowl. Sincerely, Mark W. Studentson 27 The date should line up with the closing and signature.

28. Checking in passage: Write the day and date at the left side top of a new page —Wednesday 3 February 2016 Create a T-chart on the page. On the left side: On the right side: Find a passage in the pages that you have read so far that you thought was powerful, interesting, or well- written. Copy the sentence or passage in MLA parenthetical (internal) citation format. Do it like this: “Passage in exact words” (Last #). Write one or more sentences telling what you thought was cool about that passage. Continue reading. Let me know when you finish your book! 28

29. Entry 8: Wednesday 3 February 2016 Create a crazy collage in your spiral. Draw anything and everything that reminds you of this book. See if you can fill a whole page. Include some things that represent the characters, some things that represent the setting, and some things that represent the events. 5=50%; 7=70%; 10 + colored=100% 29

30. 30 MAIN IDEAS, CLAIMS, THESIS STATEMENTS, BIG IDEAS (We will think of these as green.) THE SECOND LEVEL CONSISTS OF CATEGORIES OR SUPPORTING IDEAS FOR THE MAIN IDEA. (We will think of these as yellow.) THE THIRD LEVEL OF IDEAS ARE THE FACTS, DETAILS, REASONS, COMMENTARY, EXPLANATIONS, EXAMPLES, EVIDENCE, ETC. (We will think of these as red.)WE CAN ALWAYS EXPECT TO USE MORE REDS THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN OUR WRITING. Informative Writing

31. Entry #9/ Thursday 4 February 2016 Turn to a clean sheet of paper. You will need a whole sheet. Add the day and date. Think about the following questions: Can all challenges be overcome? Is the historical time period of your novel more challenging than your own? How do people in real life triumph over trials? What advice would you give to a middle school student who is having a hard time? What character traits have helped you in your trials? Think of a claim, such as— All challenges in our life cannot be overcome for several reasons. It is more challenging to live now than in the 1930’s. I know two people who have used effort and determination to overcome their challenges. Middle school students should try four things when they have a problem. Asking for help, having a positive attitude, and working hard have helped me face challenges. 31

32. Entry #9/Continued Write your claim across the top of a T-chart on side one of your paper. Claim: Asking for help, having a positive attitude, and working hard have helped me face challenges.. 32

33. Entry #9/Continued Set up an essay with yellows on the left and reds on the right. Tomorrow (Friday) we will do a writing assignment on the back. Claim: Asking for help, having a positive attitude, and working hard have helped me face challenges.. First, when I have a challenge, I ask others for help. Having a positive attitude is another way I deal with challenges. Finally, working hard gets me through any difficulty. 33

34. yellows reds Entry #9/Continued Set up an essay with topic sentences (yellows) on the left and (reds) on the right. (Tomorrow we will do a writing assignment on the back.) Claim: Asking for help, having a positive attitude, and working hard have helped me face challenges.. First, when I have a challenge, I ask others for help. Having a positive attitude is another way I deal with challenges. Finally, working hard gets me through any difficulty. Mom with sibling problem Dad with math Mrs. Gamez with schedule Not giving up in math Putting positive quotes on my binder Going in for extra math help Doing my math homework Making a better effort to be nice to my brother 34

35. Entry #10/Continued—Day Two 5 February 2016 On the back of your paper, write an essay about your claim. Below is an example paragraph with a topic sentence and sentences to support it. Finally, working hard gets me through any difficulty. Finally, working hard gets me through any difficulty. In my math class, I went in and asked Mr. Wester for extra help. He had me come in at lunch. I didn’t like missing time with my friends, but it helped so much. I was surprised how much better I did after only a few lunch times. I also made a time for doing my math homework after dinner every day. Even though I missed a few times, I stuck to my schedule almost every day. By the end of two weeks, my math grade was a high B. I was surprised but happy. Math isn’t the only place I have put forth effort. My brother was making me mad all the time, so I worked hard to be patient with him. I also tried to spend time doing something fun with him every weekend this month. Before long, he stopped bugging me so much. Working hard has been a big part of overcoming my challenges. 35

36. Essay Writing Begin by indenting and writing your claim. Indent again and write your first body paragraph. Start with your topic sentence + transition word. Add ideas, reasons, examples, explanations, etc. Follow this pattern for every body paragraph. Put the conclusion claim of the paper in a separate, final paragraph. When you get done: 1. Please read your essay and fix mistakes. 2. Continue reading your novel. 36

37. Entry # 11 (Monday 8 February 2016) Find a new page in your spiral notebook; you will be writing a letter in correct letter format—Include today’s date as part of your letter. Prompt: Think of a part of the novel that you have read so far that is really well written. Why was it so effective? Did it pull facts together, make you laugh/cry, or give you an “AH-HA” moment? Did you learn something about the historical time period? Write a letter to the author, to me, or to a friend explaining what you think was well done. BE SPECIFIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tell what “worked” for you! Adding a passage and citation would be fabulous! Use correct letter format and shoot for 180+ words (about ¾ page handwritten). If you write to me or to a friend, recommend the book to us. (Sample/next slide) At the end of today’s block, leave your spiral on the back table—open to the page you would like graded from last week. 37

38. 8 February 2016 Dear Mr. Martin, Your book Dust Memories was a great read! The Great Depression was such a hard time for American farmers and you really captured that in your book. I liked following Carter as he left home to find work at a CCC camp. I didn’t know the government had special work camps for boys during that time. I think it would have been scary to leave home and work on your own. The boys did not make much money and most of it was sent home to their parents. I use my money for candy and movies so that really made me think about how hard times must have been. “Carter threw his last few pennies in his pocket and headed out the door for town” (Martin 78). Carter must have felt discouraged sometimes when he didn’t even get to see the money he was earning. My favorite part of the book was the ending. I liked how you showed the hope of the future when the Dust Bowl was recovering. Thanks for writing a book that teens (especially guys) everywhere would enjoy. I hope to read more of your books in the future. Sincerely, Mark W. Studentson 38 The date should line up with the closing and signature.

39. Checking-in: Tuesday 9 February 2016 Get your spiral from the round table. Start a new page… Create a story map or timeline of your book. Use at least five sketches and a label for each event. 39 Bud takes off on his own.

40. Task 12 B Starting the project… Go back through your book and/or your spiral. Choose your favorite five passages. CAREFULLY copy the passages on to your final project sheet. Use MLA format. You may use pencil or blue/black ink pen. When you finish, Do side one of the word study. (due Thursday) Read from your novel. 40

41. Task 13 Working on the project… Go back through your book and/or your spiral. Choose your favorite written piece or create a new one. (journal entry, letter, or essay) CAREFULLY copy the writing on to your final project sheet. You may use pencil or blue/black ink pen. When you finish, Do side two of the word study. (due Thursday) Read from your novel. 41

42. Task 14 A Thursday 11 February 2016 Literacy circle discussion— In your spiral, create a bulleted list of questions that you might have about your book. This could include questions about the character, questions about some event that happened, questions about real life connections, etc. Strong questions promote a discussion. Questions that can be answered yes/no or with a single word/phrase are not strong discussion questions. Start by copying this one: Why did you want to read this book? Add several questions of your own. Meet with your original literacy circle! Go around the circle; discuss one question from each person—go around again if you have time. When the timer rings, read on your own. 42

43. Task 14 B Working on the project… Go back through your book and/or your spiral. Think about the visuals you have drawn. CAREFULLY create a collage in the space provided on your final project sheet. Start with pencil and add color when you finish. When you finish, read. 43

44. Literacy circle discussion Task 15A Friday 12 February 2016 Think of ONE word that expresses the BIG IDEA or theme of this novel. Courage, compassion, determination, friendship, etc. etc. Find a paragraph or page in your novel that shows why you chose this word. Be prepared to read this passage out loud to your literacy circle and explain why you chose the word. Take turns sharing your opinions of this novel. Each person may choose to answer one or more of these questions. What were the author’s strengths? What would you have changed about the book? Would you recommend the book? Why? When the timer rings, return to your seat and read or work on your final project (due today). 44

45. Task 15 B Working on the project… Go back through your book and/or your spiral. Think about the reading experience you have had and the connections you have made. CAREFULLY create a border of pictures, words, phrases, character names, etc. in the space provided on your final project sheet. Start with pencil and add color when you finish. When you finish, go back over your entire project. Make sure it is as PERFECT as possible. Your project is your TICKET OUT. Any extra time, read. 45