Wednesday September 2nd, 2015

First Day of Class!

Our first day in class covered introduction, expectations, structure, what books we will read, and how we will write. 

Introduce Class Structure 

Discuss how class is conducted and how we will learn. Handout of class outline distributed in class breaking down the class structure and objectives. 

Class Expectations 

Class discussed what students should expect from instructor, and what instructor inspects from students. 

Students to expect:

• Timely arrival of instructor
• A prepared, enthusiastic, and encouraging instructor
• To read out loud in each class
• A writing assignment in each class
• Additional assignments to work on at home
• A creative atmosphere that strengthens reading and writing skills

Instructor expects:

• Timely arrival of students
• A prepared, enthusiastic, and encouraging student
• Each student to read out loud in class
• A completed writing assignment with all requirements from each student in each class
• Students to complete any additional assignments given before next class begins
• Creative and engaged students looking strengthen their reading and writing skills

Class survey handout and Discussion 

Reading and Writing survey handed out for students to provide their thoughts on reading and writing. Class discussed results out loud. 

Vocabulary

1. spot
2. trouble
3. caught
4. small 
5. patch
6. glove
7. drive
8. ninth
9. matter
10. play

Reading

Begin reading "Dog Days" by David Lubar , Chapter 1

Writing

• Write 5 sentences with beginning, middle, and end format and include correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Please make sure I can read your essay. 
• Use 3 of the daily vocabulary words in your essay; please underline your vocabulary words. 
• Tell me what happened in the story with your own words. Be sure to include the following items (in complete sentences) in your essay: 
• Who is/are the main character(s) of this story? Please describe them in detail. 
• What is Larry's favorite thing to play? 

Fall Classes Begin! First Day and Semester Break Down

Reading and Writing Outline

Welcome to Ms. Adrienne's Reading and Writing Class at IQuest!

I look forward to enriching, encouraging, and learning with, each student this semester. Students meet for reading and writing class each Wednesdays (except on holidays and scheduled closures), at 4:30pm. Class runs for 60 minutes and students cover a variety of objectives during short the hour.

Class Objective

Students will learn skills and tools to strengthen their writing and reading abilities. Class focus is on reading phonics, strategies, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary development  writing process, text, conventions, handwriting, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and research.  

Vocabulary

Students work with 10 new vocabulary words each class. Vocabulary words are incorporated into the student’s reading and writing lessons to help strengthen context, identification, spelling, meaning, and pronunciation skills.

Reading

A variety of short stories and books are selected to read aloud during class. Focus is on reading comprehension, pronunciation, and frequency. Student will answer questions and discuss material from the reading to strengthen comprehension skills.

Writing

Students write short essay, utilizing beginning, middle, and end formation, summarizing the story they've read in class. Questions selected from the reading material and the student's own thoughts and opinions are included in each writing assignment. Writing focus is on spelling, punctuation, spacing, and form. Student must use vocabulary words learned in class in their writing.   

Timeline

Class Schedule (60 minute Class)

• Icebreaker and review (10 minutes)  
• Class Reading (30 minutes)
• Individual Writing (20 minutes)
• Additional Assignments (Homework)

Materials Needed for Class

• Thin binder to keep assignments and handouts
• Sheet protectors for important class handouts (about 5 should do)
• Dividers with pockets to separate reading and writing materials
• Pencils with erasers (encouraged, limited supply on hand)
• Favorite Books and Writing Prompts (optional)

Optimize Learning

Our class covers a large amount in a short time; to keep up with what we're doing and what goals we've set, check out our class blog!

http://msadriennereadingwriting23.blogspot.com

The class blog is usually updated after each class, or the following day. You may also contact me with any questions through the blog.

Here's to a fantastic semester full of great reads, creative writing, and strengthening our skills! 

Monday July 20th, 2015

New student in class today! We'll go over our introduction, class structure, and expectations so we can all be on the same page. Will hand out student survey for new student to complete at home.

Vocabulary 

1. another 
2. agreed 
3. fair 
4. rainforest 
5. complained 
6. scampered 
7. delicious 
8. hungry 
9. admiring 
10. disappeared 

Reading
Begin reading "Mangoes and Bananas" by Nathan Kumar Scott aloud in class.

Writing

• Write a 8 sentence essay with beginning, middle, and end format and include correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Please make sure I can read your essay. 
• Use 3 of the daily vocabulary words in your essay; please underline your vocabulary words.
• Tell me what happened in the story with your own words. Be sure to include the following answers(in complete sentences)in your essay: 

1. Describe where the story takes place. 
2. Describe the main characters of the story and their relationship. 
3. What problem do the two characters have? 
4. What plan do the characters come up with to solve their problem? 

Homework

Reading Comprehension worksheets - Time 

Writing worksheet - The Best Adventure

Wednesday July 15th, 2015

First day of class!

Postponed "Mangoes and Bananas" reading and writing activity until week of July 20th.

Vocabulary

1. fingers
2. speed
3. maybe
4. slow
5. friend
6. hours
7. villain
8. vegetable
9. fresh
10. mountain 

Reading
"Humming Birds" Worksheet

Writing
"My Favorite Movie" Worksheet:

• Write a 10 sentence essay with beginning, middle, and end format and include correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Please make sure I can read your essay. 
• Use 3 of the daily vocabulary words in your essay; please underline your vocabulary words. 
• Include the following (in complete sentences) in your essay: 

1. What is the movie?
2. Why is it your favorite?
3. Who are the main characters?
4. What is the main problem?
5. How is the problem solved?

Homework

Reading Comprehension worksheets (The Planets and Forms of Matter)

Monday July 13th, 2015

Monday June 15th, 2015

No class today due to student absence. Outline of the postponed class discussion below.

------
First week of class! Class runs Monday and Wednesdays, between 4:30pm and 5:30pm. 

Our first day in class covered introduction, expectations, structure, what books we will read, and how we will write.

Introduce Class Structure

• Discuss how class is conducted and how we will learn.

Class Expectations

• What students should expect from instructor, and what instructor inspects from students

Class survey handout and Discussion

• Students provide their thoughts on reading and writing. Discussion to follow.

Vocabulary

1. another
2. agreed
3. fair
4. rainforest
5. complained
6. scampered
7. delicious
8. hungry
9. admiring
10. disappeared

Reading

"Mangoes and Bananas" by Nathan Kumar Scott

Writing

• Write a 8 sentence essay with beginning, middle, and end format and include correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Please make sure I can read your essay.
• Use 3 of the daily vocabulary words in your essay; please underline your vocabulary words.
• Tell me what happened in the story with your own words. Be sure to include the following answers(in complete sentences)in your essay:
• Describe the setting of the story.
• Describe the main characters of the story.
• What problem do the two friends have?
• What plan do the two friends come up with to solve their problem?

Wednesday July 8th, 2015

Wednesday July 8th, 2015

Last day of class for the first summer session! Hope to see all of you back for Reading and Writing Summer Session part 2!!

Review

• Discuss and review reading from Monday.
• Discuss and review writing from Monday.

Vocabulary

1. letter
2. trudged
3. mayor
4. bridge
5. gloomy
6. magic 
7. topmost
8. flannel 
9. drawing
10. yelled

Reading

Continue reading "Alexander and the Magic Mouse" by Martha Sanders

Writing

• Write a 6 sentence essay with beginning, middle, and end format and include correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Please make sure I can read your essay.
• Use 4 of the daily vocabulary words in your essay; please underline your vocabulary words.
• Tell me what happened in the story with your own words. Be sure to include the following answers(in complete sentences) in your essay:
• Why did Alexander cross the river and not the Yak?
• What happened to Alexander when he got into town and who helped him?
• What did the townspeople do to protect them from the storm?
• What happened to Alexander after he got home? How did the Magical Mouse help?
• Who was awarded a medal from the mayor?

Monday July 6th, 2015

Monday July 6th, 2015

Review

• Discuss and review reading from last class
• Discuss and review writing from last class

Vocabulary

1. lonely
2. squatting
3. alligator
4. household
5. frighten
6. brindle 
7. marmalade
8. thirty
9. souvenir
10. storm

Reading

Begin reading "Alexander and the Magic Mouse" by Martha Sanders

Writing

• Write a 6 sentence essay with beginning, middle, and end format and include correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization. Please make sure I can read your essay.
• Use 4 of the daily vocabulary words in your essay; please underline your vocabulary words.
• Tell me what happened in the story with your own words. Be sure to include the following answers(in complete sentences) in your essay:
• Describe where the story takes place.
• Describe the Old Lady's household.
• Why was everyone scared of Alexander, and did they have a right to be scared?
• What did the Magical Mouse have to say?
• How did the household prepare for the storm?