P4 | English Assignments

At the end of our Poetry & Poe unit, you will take a culminating vocabulary test. Take this practice quiz to gauge how much more you need to study the first ten words you learned. 

Other ways to study:
-Make Flashcards
-Make a Quizlet

To prepare for our next unit, you will master ten new vocabulary words in the short story we will read this week.

Directions:
1. Open the slideshow.
2. Update your Table of Contents. 
3. Glue in the TWO pink handouts.
4. Copy the exact definitions from the slides.
5. Write your own sentence using the vocabulary word. Do NOT copy from Google or the slides. 
6. Play Blooket for more practice:
50 questions correct for full credit.
Nickname = first name & first two letters of last name (Ex. HaleyBr1, HaleyBr2, HaleyBr3).
There will be a vocabulary test at the end of our unit. 
If you were absent, see Mrs. Brucato for the notes.

I’m curious to see what you remember about paragraph structure from 6th grade (claim, evidence, reasoning, etc.). Please follow the directions and try your best. 

Graded for completion
Used to measure progress and plan lessons
Written fully in class today
Choose ONE prompt

Homework: 

Storyboards (Tell-Tale Art App):

Finish your narrator- and reader-perspective storyboards. Then, complete Compare/Contrast; click to add a red dot on differences. *Press SAVE*
Solo:

Complete all pages of the Solo on Card 6.
Turn on paragraph numbers by clicking "1, 2, 3" in the top left corner of the text.
Press "Hand in" when you're done. 
Value: 10 points for completion and up to 5 points for accuracy (15 points total). 

If you were absent, make a copy and complete the "Self-Paced" lesson attached. Share it with Mrs. Brucato when you're done.

Homework: Complete the Solo on Card 7. 

To receive credit: 
Finish reading/listening to the story.
Complete the activities on all 13 pages of Card 7.
Press "Hand In" on Amplify when you are done.
Value: 10 points for completion and up to 7 points for accuracy (17 points total). 

If you were absent:
7D: Poetry & Poe > Sub-unit 2 > Lesson 1
 
Card 1: Spend 5 minutes on Vocab
Card 2: Skip
Card 3: Listen to Paragraphs 1-2; sketch to "visualize" what is happening. Then, watch the animation (click Lesson Brief ---> The Tell-Tale Heart Animatic, Part 1)
Card 4: Listen to Paragraphs 3-10; sketch to "visualize" what is happening. Then, watch the animation (click Lesson Brief ---> The Tell-Tale Heart Animatic, Part 2)
Card 5: Listen to Paragraphs 11-13; sketch to "visualize" what is happening. Then, watch the animation (click Lesson Brief ---> The Tell-Tale Heart Animatic, Part 3)
Card 6: Answer questions on pages 1-2; press "Hand in"
Card 7: Finish reading the story; click next until you complete all of the tasks on the solo; press "Hand in"

Thursday, 10/8, will be the deadline to turn in all missing work, use your late work pass, and complete quiz retakes. Mrs. Brucato will not accept late work after this date.

Remember to fill out the Missing/Late Work Google form.

To retake your dialogue quiz, follow these steps:

1. See Mrs. Brucato for the practice handout and Flex Pass
2. Complete Fifth Grade YY.4 IXL (attached) to a SmartScore of 100
3. Take the practice quiz (attached) until you get 100%
4. Play the Blooket (attached) until you answer 50 questions correctly

Optional: Make an EBS (External Brain Sheet) on a 3x5 index card

This week, Mrs. Brucato will assess your reading progress during Quarter 1. 

Please update your Reading Record by the end of the day on Wednesday (Resources > 📚 Reading Record).

Reading Record Requirements:

Your record should match Status of the Class. 
Remove any books that you have not read in Q1. 
You may only add abandoned books to your Reading Record if you read over 100 pages. Select "DNF" for the month ("Did Not Finish").
Remember, all 7th graders are expected to read 4,000 pages by June!

1. Compare your pre-assessment (blue) and post-assessment (green) rubrics AND stories side by side. 
2. Complete the reflection using complete sentences.

It's the last week of Quarter 1! Think about your schedule this week and make a reading plan. Let's finish the quarter strong!

Required English homework: Read outside of class for 30 minutes a day (1 day off) or 3 hours a week. 

Example #1
Monday: 30 minutes before bed
Tuesday: 30 minutes in Flex
Wednesday: 30 minutes after dinner
Thursday: 30 minutes before bed
Friday: 1 hour before bed
Weekend: Days off

Example #2
This week, I plan to read for 30 minutes during Flex on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, I will read for 30 minutes after dinner. On Sunday, I will read for 1 hour in the afternoon.

Example #3:
This week, I will read for 30 minutes every morning when I wake up.

In our next class, you will have 60 minutes to write a NEW realistic fiction short story that shows off all the strategies you learned throughout our unit. Since this is a product grade worth 50 points, it's a good idea to come to class prepared.

How to Prepare for your On-Demand Writing Test:
Review the rubric to see how you will be assessed (attached).
Gather ideas on the brainstorming handout you received in class today. 
Make a story plan using an arc, timeline, list, or another method.
Review the slides from our lessons (attached).
Reminder: You may NOT write any of your story before class. 
If you've made it this far, leave a comment with your favorite food. I'll start! Veggie spring rolls with peanut sauce.

It's time to show off what you've learned about writing during our realistic fiction unit. This assessment is a product grade worth 50 points. You will have one hour to plan, draft, revise, and edit, so choose a story with only one or two scenes to finish in time.

You MAY use…  
your brainstorming handout
your story plan
resources: notebook, lesson slides, & wall posters
You may NOT … 
copy/paste anything onto your doc 
use a story you have written before this test
use Google
Take your time and show me what I know you ALL can do! When you're done, please review the rubric and press “turn in”.

If you'd like, you may bring a snack or drink to share with your class tomorrow during our party. Make sure there are no nut ingredients and that there is enough for everyone in your class. 

This is completely optional! Mrs. Brucato will also be providing a snack for each student.

Class counts
P2: 27 students
P3: 15 students
P4: 25 students
P5: 28 students
P6: 28 students

Remember, you need to read 30 minutes a day (1 day off) or 3 hours a week for English homework. Think about your schedule this week and make a reading plan. Be specific.

Example #1
Monday: 30 minutes before bed
Tuesday: 30 minutes in Flex
Wednesday: 30 minutes after dinner
Thursday: 30 minutes before bed
Friday: 1 hour before bed
Weekend: Days off

Example #2
This week, I plan to read for 30 minutes during Flex on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, I will read for 30 minutes after dinner. On Sunday, I will read for 1 hour in the afternoon.

Example #3:
This week, I will read for 30 minutes every morning when I wake up.

ROUGH DRAFT DUE: Friday, September 25th
FINAL DRAFT DUE: Tuesday, September 29th

Return to this assignment every time you work on your Realistic Fiction story.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Realistic Fiction Story - Please do all writing here
2. Writer's Workshop Lesson Library
3. Paragraphing Guidelines
4. Transitions List

Today, you learned that the best writers are their own best editors. It's time to finalize your story to prepare for publication next week! 

To earn as many of the 50 points as possible, complete the Narrative To Do List handed out in class (and attached here), and revise your story until all the boxes are "YES!" on the Writer's Checklist in your notebook.


AREAS TO FOCUS ON:-Turn on the lights in conversations
-3D writing (setting, actions, thoughts, & dialogue)
-Strengthen your lead
-Write a satisfying ending
-Add tension to intensify the main conflict
-Use symbolism to create meaning
-Follow your story arc (only include scenes that develop the story)
-Format dialogue correctly
-Use transitions wisely
-Paragraph correctly
- Check conventions (spell check!)

Congratulations, authors, you did it! Remember to press "TURN IN" on your final draft before our next class.

1. Add your Cover Page to the first page of your story.
2. Add an "About the Author" and Headshot to the last page of your story.
3. Press "Turn In" on your "Realistic Fiction Story" (Resources).

🎉👏🥳 That is it, writers! You have so much to be proud of. Now, we celebrate!

*If you DO NOT want your story included in our publishing party OR want to remain anonymous, please email Mrs. Brucato by Tuesday at 8 p.m.

On Friday, you will take a 10-point product quiz to assess your understanding of how to format dialogue correctly.

STUDY OPTIONS:

Complete the IXL (Fifth Grade YY.4) to a smart score of 90
Take the practice quiz (attached) until you reach 100%
Create an EBS index card

Please finish the rough draft of your story by Friday. We will edit/revise in class. You've got this, writers!

You may use one 3x5 index card (front and back) as an external brain sheet for your formatting dialogue quiz on Thursday (odd)/Friday (even). Use your notes or the slides for ideas on what to include.

Index cards were passed out in class on 9/21-22. See Mrs. Brucato if you need a new one.

Today, you learned that writers include satisfying endings and use transitions wisely.

Homework: Set a timer and work on your story for 20 minutes. 

Make sure you:
1. Add at least THREE transitions to your story **HIGHLIGHT IN GREEN**
2.  Revise your ending to...
tie up loose ends
resolve conflicts
show how the main character (or situation) has changed
bring home your story's meaning

Today, you learned how to use symbolism in your story to create meaning.

If you didn't finish in class today, make sure to:

Add ONE symbol in 2-3 places. **HIGHLIGHT IN BLUE**
HOW TO CREATE A SYMBOL:

STEP #1: Think: What is my story really about?
STEP #2: What object, setting, action,
animal, or color can I use as a symbol of my theme?
STEP #3: Repeat the symbol 2-3 times in your story. Describe it in detail.

This 10-point product quiz shows your ability to “Turn on the Lights” while two or more characters are talking in your story.

Review the rubric and slides from our lesson (#29) before submitting your best work!

Today, you learned the rules for formatting dialogue and revised all of the dialogue in your story.

Homework:

1. Review your notes.

2. Answer 60 questions correctly on Blooket to practice what you learned.

*To receive credit: nickname = first name + first two letters of last name (HaleyBr)
*You may play more than once, and Mrs. Brucato will add up your total (HaleyBr1, HaleyBr2, HaleyBr3)

3. Revise ALL of the dialogue in your story until it is formatted correctly.

There will be a quiz next week.


If you were absent, see Mrs. Brucato for a copy of the notes and review the slides attached here.

Remember, you need to read 30 minutes a day (1 day off) or 3 hours a week for English homework. Think about your schedule this week and make a reading plan. Be specific.

Example #1
Monday: 30 minutes before bed
Tuesday: 30 minutes in Flex
Wednesday: 30 minutes after dinner
Thursday: 30 minutes before bed
Friday: 1 hour before bed
Weekend: Days off

Example #2
This week, I plan to read for 30 minutes during Flex on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, I will read for 30 minutes after dinner. On Sunday, I will read for 1 hour in the afternoon.

Example #3:
This week, I will read for 30 minutes every morning when I wake up.

ADD ALL WRITING HERE: Resources > ✍️ Realistic Fiction Story

Homework: Set a timer and add to your story for 20 minutes. Goal: Finish 3/4 of your story! If you have time left over, you may write more or revise what you have already written.


Remember to...

draft in 3-D by sprinkling in characters' thoughts, dialogue, actions, as well as details/descriptions
use paragraphs wisely
revise your lead to engage your reader and hint at events/lessons to come
correctly format ALL of the dialogue in your story
build tension around your central conflict
turn on the lights! in your dialogue by showing characters' actions, thoughts & feelings, and setting descriptions

Today, you learned that writers need to "Turn on the Lights" when using dialogue so readers don't get confused. You also learned to draft with your narrative writing checklist in mind. 

Classwork/Homework: Revise ALL of your dialogue to “Turn on the Lights!” 

In between dialogue, sprinkle in …
Actions (small and big)
Thoughts & Feelings
Setting Description
There will be a Turn on the Lights! quiz next week.

If you were absent, review the slides attached here and revise ALL of the dialogue in your story.

Today, you learned that as writers draft, they add tension to intensify the central problem before it is solved. 

Homework: Read through your draft and decide where you can turn up the volume on your central conflict to create tension in your story. 

You might try...

increasing obstacles
creating a time crunch
adding danger
making it challenging for characters to act

If you were absent, review the slides attached here and add tension to your story.

ADD ALL WRITING HERE: Resources > ✍️ Realistic Fiction Story

Homework: Set a timer and add to your story for 20 minutes. Goal: Finish HALF of your story! You may write more if you choose. 

Remember to...

draft in 3-D by sprinkling in characters' thoughts, dialogue, actions, as well as details/descriptions
use paragraphs wisely
revise your lead to engage your reader and hint at events/lessons to come
correctly format ALL of the dialogue in your story
build tension around your central conflict

Remember, you need to read 30 minutes a day (1 day off) or 3 hours a week for English homework. Think about your schedule this week and make a reading plan. Be specific.

Example #1
Monday: 30 minutes before bed
Tuesday: 30 minutes in Flex
Wednesday: 30 minutes after dinner
Thursday: 30 minutes before bed
Friday: 1 hour before bed
Weekend: Days off

Example #2
This week, I plan to read for 30 minutes during Flex on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, I will read for 30 minutes after dinner. On Sunday, I will read for 1 hour in the afternoon.

Example #3:
This week, I will read for 30 minutes every morning when I wake up.

ADD ALL WRITING HERE: Resources > ✍️ Realistic Fiction Story

Homework: Set a timer and add to your story for 20 minutes. You should have THREE scenes written by our next class. You may write more if you choose. 

Remember to...

draft in 3-D by sprinkling in characters' thoughts, dialogue, actions, as well as details/descriptions
use paragraphs wisely
revise your lead to engage your reader and hint at events/lessons to come

This quiz will be a product assessment worth 10 points to demonstrate your understanding of 3D writing.

Review the rubric and slides from our lesson before submitting your best work!

ADD ALL WRITING HERE: Resources > ✍️ Realistic Fiction Story

Homework: Set a timer and work on your story for 20 minutes. Your goal is to have ONE scene written by our next class. You may write more if you choose. 

Remember to...

draft in 3-D by sprinkling in characters' thoughts, dialogue, actions, as well as details/descriptions
use paragraphs wisely

Today, you learned that there are many ways to create a story plan. 

Your story plan is due at the start of class on Wednesday. You'll have about 25 minutes of work time on Tuesday, so there's no need to work on this over the holiday weekend! Enjoy your time off!

Directions:
1. Choose a story arc, chart, timeline, or another planning method. 
2. Create your plan in your notebook.
3. Plan out your story from beginning to end. Include at least 8 plot ideas.

If you were absent, review the slides and create your plan.

Remember, 30 minutes a day (1 day off), or 3 hours a week, is required English homework. Think about your schedule this week and make a reading plan for yourself. Be specific.

Example #1
Monday: 30 minutes before bed
Tuesday: 30 minutes in Flex
Wednesday: 30 minutes after dinner
Thursday: 30 minutes before bed
Friday: 1 hour before bed
Weekend: Days off

Example #2
This week, I plan to read for 30 minutes during Flex on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, I will read for 30 minutes after dinner. On Sunday, I will read for 1 hour in the afternoon.

Example #3:
This week, I will read for 30 minutes every morning when I wake up.

Today, as a warm-up, you gave your main character motivations and struggles that mirror real life. Be sure your notebook T-chart has at least three motivations and three struggles.

If you were absent, refer to the slides attached and create the T-chart in your notebook.

Today, you put your writing to the test in our scene boot camp! I hope your believable character is starting to come to life.

If you got stuck at any point during our sprints, make sure your scene has at least 200 words and PARTS 1, 2 and 3 are complete before our next class.
 
How to check WORD COUNT:
1. Highlight your scene.
2. Click "Tools" at the top.
3. Click "Word Count."

You now have at least 10 story ideas to choose from! It's time to look at both lists and pick your favorite:
Which story do you like the best?  
Which story do you want to take all the way to publication?
Which story does the world need you to write?
Write 100 words defending your story idea.  You are not going to write the actual story.  Instead, write about WHY this story is important to you and why it might be important to your readers. You are allowed to change your mind later!  

HINT: If you cannot explain why this story is important to write, you should probably consider choosing a different idea.

We are continuing to read stories for our Realistic Fiction unit. You will start this one in class on Edpuzzle and finish it on your own. 

As you listen, ask yourself: What inspiration can I find in Meg Cabot's "Kate the Great" for my realistic fiction short story?

Remember, 30 minutes a day (1 day off), or 3 hours a week, is required English homework. Think about your schedule this week and make a reading plan for yourself. Be specific.

Example #1
Monday: 30 minutes before bed
Tuesday: 30 minutes in Flex
Wednesday: 30 minutes after dinner
Thursday: 30 minutes before bed
Friday: 1 hour before bed
Weekend: Days off

Example #2
This week, I plan to read for 30 minutes during Flex on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, I will read for 30 minutes after dinner. On Sunday, I will read for 1 hour in the afternoon.

Example #3:
This week, I will read for 30 minutes every morning when I wake up.

Today, you learned a second strategy for finding realistic fiction story ideas, and you added 5 new ideas to your notebook. 

By our next class:
Have at least TEN realistic fiction story ideas in your notebook (total).
You may write more if you choose! 
Be sure to write LONG.  Fully develop each idea so you can tell if it is worthy of pursuing.

Today, you learned one strategy for finding ideas for the realistic fiction story you will write this quarter. You worked with a group to brainstorm and jotted down ideas in your notebook. Next class, you will learn a second strategy.

In your notebook:
Continue writing down fictional story ideas based on universal big ideas. 
You should have at least FIVE ideas before our next class.
When another fictional idea occurs to you, write that down, too! 
Be sure to write LONG.  Fully develop each idea so you can tell if it is worthy of pursuing.

We are continuing to read realistic fiction stories for our writer's workshop unit. You will read today's short story in class.

As you read,
Ask yourself: What inspiration can I find in Gary Soto's "Seventh Grade" for my realistic fiction short story?
Jot FIVE sticky note annotations in your notebook.

If you were absent:
1. Read or listen to the short story attached.
2. Jot FIVE notes about what makes this story realistic: Characters? Setting? Problem? Solution? Theme? 
3. See Mrs. Brucato for a copy of the notes when you return.

Book spines will be collected at the start of class on Wednesday, 8/26.

To receive credit: 
Neatly color and cut out your Book Spine.
Write your full name and class period on the back.
Directions: Choose your favorite book and recreate its spine to proudly display on our classroom bookshelf!

On the template you received in class:
Copy the book spine exactly or create your own (keeping the book's style the same).
Include: TITLE, AUTHOR, COLOR, and ILLUSTRATION(S).
Bring in your best work!

Homework: Finish 5 sticky note annotations in your notebook. Mrs. Brucato will check for completion at the start of our next class.

If you were absent:
1. Listen to or read the short story attached to introduce our Realistic Fiction unit. 
2. Jot FIVE notes about what makes this story realistic: Characters? Setting? Problem? Solution? Theme? 
3. See Mrs. Brucato for a copy of the notes when you return.

Remember, 30 minutes a day, or 3 hours a week (1 day off), is required homework in 7th-grade English. When will you get your reading done this week? Be specific.

Example #1
Monday: 30 minutes before bed
Tuesday: 30 minutes in Flex
Wednesday: 30 minutes after dinner
Thursday: 30 minutes before bed
Friday: 1 hour before bed
Weekend: Days off

Example #2
This week, I plan to read for 30 minutes during Flex on Monday and Tuesday. On Thursday and Friday, I will read after dinner for 30 minutes. On Sunday, I will read for 1 hour in the afternoon.

There will be a quiz next class for a product grade. Review your notes and the slides, make flashcards, or play Blooket again for more practice.

Today in class, you reviewed important 6th-grade literary devices, punctuation, and writing tools. You also learned a few new terms that are essential for your success in 7th grade. There will be a quiz in one week.

Homework:
1. Click the Blooket link to practice what you learned. (NICKNAME = first name + first TWO letters of your last name. Ex. HaleyBr). 

 2. Answer 50 questions correctly for full credit. You may play more than once, and I will add up your total. Add a number each time you play: HaleyBr, HaleyBr1, HaleyBr2, HaleyBr3.


See Mrs. Brucato for a copy of the notes if you were absent.

1. Review the Syllabus with your guardian(s).
2. Ask them to please read Mrs. Brucato's Welcome Letter and complete the Guardian Survey attached here.

You will earn 10 process points for preparedness when you bring your independent reading book to the start of class on Friday, 8/21.

*You can bring a book from home, check one out from the public or school library, use a Kindle, or find an online book using Libby or Sora. 

Our classroom library will be open next week.

Please complete this pre-assessment DURING class today. 


This is the time to show off everything you remember about narrative writing.  Please relax and do your best!

Thank you for taking the time to answer each question carefully and in complete sentences.

Your answers will not be shared with your classmates.

I'm looking forward to getting to know YOU!

Please bring your completed (and cut out!) puzzle piece to the start of class on Tuesday.

To receive full credit:
Trace all words in pen/marker/colored pencil.
Color all images and fill in the background.
Cut out your puzzle piece carefully. Leave the black outline.