Presentation Transcript

1. English/Language Arts 7th and 8th Mrs. Yvette Kolstad Grew up in the Bay Area Moved to Paradise in 1989 with my husband and children Christa – Degree in Dietetics Jessica – Degree in Environmental Science Cody – Senior in High School/College Connection Program
2. Background Studied Special Ed at CSU San Francisco Helped manage a small business in the Bay Area Stay-at-home mom for six years Education… BA Liberal Arts, CSU Chico, CLAD SA in English Completed Northern California Writing Project (2009) Graduate student, CSU Chico - MA in Education (Currently)
3. Philosophy in an itty bitty nutshell!! In line with our school’s mission statement, I want my students to be able to problem solve and think critically. I want them to be able to work both cooperatively and independently to accomplish goals. My goal is to help each of my students strive to reach their full potential. I will hold each of my student’s to high, but reasonable, expectations.
4. Curriculum (aka Nuts ‘n Bolts) Standards based Reading Comprehension (Core literature, novels of choice) Vocabulary Writing strategies, applications, conventions Speaking and Listening
5. Reading Comprehension/Vocabulary (7) A B Core literature Classroom-based Novels/Units: (average 3-7 weeks each) The Door in the Wall (1300’s) The Witch of Blackbird Pond (1600’s) The Miracle Worker (1800’s) Call of the Wild (1800’s) Stargirl (modern-day) Seedfolks (modern-day) Short stories Poetry (2 weeks) Novels (High interest) Home-based (30 minutes SSR on Fridays) Variety of genres 2nd semester: Biography or autobiography Encourage a book every six weeks Assigned book project or oral presentation each quarter (4 total). Book Groups
6. Reading Comprehension (8) A Core literature Classroom-based Novels/Units: (average 3-7 weeks each) Chains(1700’s) The Outsiders (1960’s) Portions of The House on Mango Street (1960’s) The Giver (future) Career unit Poetry unit B Novels (High interest independent reading) Home-based (30 minutes of SSR on Fridays) Variety of genres Encourage a book every six weeks Assigned book project or oral presentation each quarter (4 total). Book Groups
7. Reading /Vocabulary (8) Lots of vocabulary in our reading and… VOCABULARY ROCK!! Lists of 25-30 words ever 2-3 weeks Fuses real music with a rich and challenging vocabulary to improve reading comprehension Important to study for the tests…the format is “matching.”
8. Writing Strategies Organization Note taking, outlining, brainstorming, summarizing Transitions Focus Understanding the main idea Providing support/it’s in the details The importance of revision Understanding bibliographies, citing sources
9. Writing Applications Biographical narrative Persuasive composition Summary Response to Literature Poetry
10. STAR Testing in the spring… (Drum roll please…) 2010 and 2011 100% of PCMS students have successfully passed the “Star Writing Test.” Scale 0-8
11. Writing (Conventions) Grammar (Direct instruction and in context, some personalized) Parts of Speech (Group presentations in Grade 7)) Spelling (Rebecca Sutton's Spelling Sourcebook for 7th grade teachers) Spelling in context (personalized spelling activities) Capitalization and Punctuation!
12. Public Speaking Daily shares Oral Presentations!! Listening Skills Thank you for coming tonight!! Your support is key… 