APW Elementary

APW Elementary
Rebel Pride Starts Inside

Friday, February 14, 2025

Day 95: 2/14/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 2 Lit. Circle Discussions

Homeroom:

          Good Morning. Please sit at your house table &  use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

  1. Check that your homework is done
  2. Make sure you have all your materials
  3. Sharpen pencils

Schedule:

HR 8:45 – 9:12

BL 1 9:15 – 9:49

BL 4 9:52 – 10:26

BL 2 10:29 – 11:03

BL 3  11:06 – 11:40

Music Block 11:45 – 12:25

Lunch 12:25 – 12:58

Party Hardy 1:00 – 2:40

Specials 2:45 – 3:25

Dismissal 3:35


ELA Learning Target:    
Today we will participate in Lit Circle discussions about chapter 2, and compete in the 45 Second Summary Challenge.

Do Now:
  • Write Down the your homework
  • Open your notebook to your job from chapter 2
  • Discussion Directors - open your computer to my blog
Homework:
  • Finish reading chapter 2 (if not already done)


Activity #1
Chapter 2 Lit Circle Discussions

The Rules for Lit. Circle Discussions:
  1. While we read each chapter you will be expected to complete your job for that chapter. Each member of the group will have a different job, and the jobs will rotate each chapter so you will never have the same job twice in a row.
  2. If we do not finish reading a chapter in class it will be your responsibility to finish the reading, and complete your job. 
  3. At the start of each class the following day you will engage in a literature circle discussion about the reading. 
  4. The Discussion Director is the leader of the conversation. 
  5. You will take turns sharing, and engaging the rest of your group in a discussion about your topic/job.
  6. When you share it is your job to get the rest of the group involved. DO NOT READ! USE QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE THE REST OF YOUR GROUP MEMBERS! 
    • Summarizer: 
      • What happened in this chapter?
      • What would you include in a summary? Why? 
      • What are the most relevant details/events in this chapter? Put the events in order.
      • What's the main idea? (USE YOUR BOOK)
    • Character Captain:
      • What characters were in this chapter? 
      • What did they do, say, think, feel, etc? 
      • What did we learn about this character? 
      • Who were the most important characters? 
      • How did they impact the story? 
    • Vocab Enricher:
      • Pick a word. Take your group to the page. 
      • Have someone read the sentence. 
      • Ask, "What do you guys think this word means?" Then let them guess.
      • After everyone takes a guess, share the definition at the end. REPEAT! 
    • Conflict Evaluator:
      • What conflicts did you identify in this chapter? 
      • Why was this a conflict? 
      • Is it an internal or external conflict? 
      • How does this conflict impact the story?
    • Discussion Director:
      • Read the questions that you have already prepared. 
      • You can also ask the three questions below.
      1. A Lightbulb Moment!!! - Did anything stand out to you?
      2. A Question Mark - Is there anything you didn't understand? Perhaps something that you would want JK Rowling to explain?
      3. A Connection - What did you learn (about yourself) from this chapter?
Mr. T's Discussion Questions:
  • Can you describe Dobby?
  • Why is Dobby visiting Harry?
  • Would you listen to Dobby?
  • What would you do about Dobby if he was in your room? 
  • What do you think Harry should do about Dobby? 
  • What do you think of the way Harry handled Dobby?
  • Describe what happens to Harry after the "Dobby Incident"?
  • At the end of the chapter before Ron shows up, what do you think Harry should do in this situation?

Activity #2
The 45 Second Summary Challenge?

In this challenge you will work with the members of your house to write a summary of the chapter. You are writing together as a group, however each person must write their own summary their notebook. You will have just 12 minutes to write.

Each house will then choose a representative to read their summary out loud. The representatives from each house will have just 45 seconds to read their summary. 

Your summaries should include:
  • 2 Pts - The main idea 
  • 6 Pts - The most relevant details
  • 2 Pts - Your reflection (Your own thoughts about the events of the chapter)
  • 10 Points Total

As you are working I will come around to help you. I might ask you questions like:
  • What does your summary need to start with?
  • Have you written the main idea?
  • What did you write for the main idea?
  • What relevant details are you including?
  • Why are those details important or relevant?
  • Have you used any transitional words to connect your thoughts and sentences? 
  • Are there any places where you should use transitional words or phrases.
  • What are your thoughts on the events of the chapter? (reflection)
  • What do you think about what you read? 

YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO FOLOW THE RULES OF WRITING. 
  • Indent the first sentence
  • All other lines are lined up on the margin line
  • Words go on the line
  • Put spaces between your words
  • Use proper capitalization & punctuation
  • Spelling matters (You should not be spelling words from the book incorrectly, especially character's names)
  • Neatness matters
How will I earn points for my Hogwarts House?

1st Place = 30 pts
2nd Place = 20 pts
3rd Place = 10 pts
4th Place = 5 pts

How will I be individually evaluated?
  • Three times throughout the unit (Chapters 5, 10, & 15) your summaries will be handed in digitally through google classroom as a quiz grade so I can formally assess your writing. 

Activity #3
Best Question

  • When we play "Best Question" your classroom teacher acts as the judge. 
  • Each house picks 1 representative to read the question they think is best, and then the student leads the discussion. 
  • After all 3 houses have led the discussion for their question the teacher will award house points for the question they think is best.
  • The points are entirely up to the teacher, and they may choose to award more or less points based on the strength of your questions.
  • Some days all Houses will earn points, while other days only one house might earn points. It all depends on you and the quality of your efforts. 

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Day 94: 2/13/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 2 Reading

Homeroom:

          Good Morning. Please sit at your house table &  use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

  1. Check that your homework is done
  2. Make sure you have all your materials
  3. Sharpen pencils
10:50 - 11:12     Homeroom
11:15 - 11:50     Block 1
11:53 - 12:28     Block 4
12:31 - 12:47     W.I.N. 
12:50 - 1:20       Lunch
1:23 - 2:08        Block 2
2:11 - 2:46        Block 3
2:49 - 2:57       W.I.N.
3:00 -3:25        Specials
3:25 - 3:35       Dismissal


ELA Learning Target:    
Today we will read chapter 2 and you will complete your next Literature Circle job.

Do Now:

  • Write down your homework
  • Open your notebook to page 45
Homework:
  • Finish Reading Chapter 2 & Complete your Lit Circle Job


Activity #1
Read Chapter 2

The Rules for Lit. Circle Discussions:
  1. While we read each chapter you will be expected to complete your job for that chapter. Each member of the group will have a different job, and the jobs will rotate each chapter so you will never have the same job twice in a row.
  2. If we do not finish reading a chapter in class it will be your responsibility to finish the reading, and complete your job. 
  3. At the start of each class the following day you will engage in a literature circle discussion about the reading. 
  4. The Discussion Director is the leader of the conversation. 
  5. You will take turns sharing, and engaging the rest of your group in a discussion about your topic/job.
  6. When you share it is your job to get the rest of the group involved. DO NOT READ! USE QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE THE REST OF YOUR GROUP MEMBERS! 
  • Summarizer: 
    • What happened in this chapter?
    • What would you include in a summary? Why? 
    • What are the most relevant details/events in this chapter? Put the events in order.
    • What's the main idea? (USE YOUR BOOK)
  • Character Captain:
    • What characters were in this chapter? 
    • What did they do, say, think, feel, etc? 
    • What did we learn about this character? 
    • Who were the most important characters? 
    • How did they impact the story? 
  • Vocab Enricher:
    • Pick a word. Take your group to the page. 
    • Have someone read the sentence. 
    • Ask, "What do you guys think this word means?" Then let them guess.
    • After everyone takes a guess, share the definition at the end. REPEAT! 
  • Conflict Evaluator:
    • What conflicts did you identify in this chapter? 
    • Why was this a conflict? 
    • Is it an internal or external conflict? 
    • How does this conflict impact the story?
  • Discussion Director:
    • Read the questions that you have already prepared. 
    • You can also ask the three questions below.
    1. A Lightbulb Moment!!! - Did anything stand out to you?
    2. A Question Mark - Is there anything you didn't understand? Perhaps something that you would want JK Rowling to explain?
    3. A Connection - What did you learn (about yourself) from this chapter?
Mr. T's Discussion Questions:
  • Can you describe Dobby?
  • Why is Dobby visiting Harry?
  • Would you listen to Dobby?
  • What would you do about Dobby if he was in your room? 
  • What do you think Harry should do about Dobby? 
  • What do you think of the way Harry handled Dobby?
  • Describe what happens to Harry after the "Dobby Incident"?
  • At the end of the chapter before Ron shows up, what do you think Harry should do in this situation?

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Day 93: 2/12/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 1 Lit. Circle Discussions

Homeroom:

          Good Morning. Please sit at your house table &  use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

  1. Check that your homework is done
  2. Make sure you have all your materials
  3. Sharpen pencils

ELA Learning Target:    
Today we will participate in Lit Circle discussions about chapter 1, and compete in the 45 Second Summary Challenge.

Do Now:
  • Write Down the your homework
  • Open your notebook to your job from chapter 1
  • Discussion Directors - open your computer to my blog
Homework:
  • Finish reading chapter 1 (if not already done)


Activity #1
Chapter 1 Lit Circle Discussions

The Rules for Lit. Circle Discussions:
  1. While we read each chapter you will be expected to complete your job for that chapter. Each member of the group will have a different job, and the jobs will rotate each chapter so you will never have the same job twice in a row.
  2. If we do not finish reading a chapter in class it will be your responsibility to finish the reading, and complete your job. 
  3. At the start of each class the following day you will engage in a literature circle discussion about the reading. 
  4. The Discussion Director is the leader of the conversation. 
  5. You will take turns sharing, and engaging the rest of your group in a discussion about your topic/job.
  6. When you share it is your job to get the rest of the group involved. DO NOT READ! USE QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE THE REST OF YOUR GROUP MEMBERS! 
    • Summarizer: 
      • What happened in this chapter?
      • What would you include in a summary? Why? 
      • What are the most relevant details/events in this chapter? Put the events in order.
      • What's the main idea? (USE YOUR BOOK)
    • Character Captain:
      • What characters were in this chapter? 
      • What did they do, say, think, feel, etc? 
      • What did we learn about this character? 
      • Who were the most important characters? 
      • How did they impact the story? 
    • Vocab Enricher:
      • Pick a word. Take your group to the page. 
      • Have someone read the sentence. 
      • Ask, "What do you guys think this word means?" Then let them guess.
      • After everyone takes a guess, share the definition at the end. REPEAT! 
    • Conflict Evaluator:
      • What conflicts did you identify in this chapter? 
      • Why was this a conflict? 
      • Is it an internal or external conflict? 
      • How does this conflict impact the story?
    • Discussion Director:
      • Read the questions that you have already prepared. 
      • You can also ask the three questions below.
      1. A Lightbulb Moment!!! - Did anything stand out to you?
      2. A Question Mark - Is there anything you didn't understand? Perhaps something that you would want JK Rowling to explain?
      3. A Connection - What did you learn (about yourself) from this chapter?
Mr. T's Discussion Questions:
*Who are the characters? What do you know about them?

*What is the setting? (Time and place)

*What is the basic situation our protagonist is in at the beginning of the book? (Exposition) 

*If Harry is a hero he should be experiencing Act 1 Stage 1 (The *Ordinary World) of the Hero's Journey, during these first few chapters. Can you describe how Harry feels out of place living with the Dursley's?

Activity #2
The 45 Second Summary Challenge?

In this challenge you will work with the members of your house to write a summary of the chapter. You are writing together as a group, however each person must write their own summary their notebook. You will have just 12 minutes to write.

Each house will then choose a representative to read their summary out loud. The representatives from each house will have just 45 seconds to read their summary. 

Your summaries should include:
  • 2 Pts - The main idea 
  • 6 Pts - The most relevant details
  • 2 Pts - Your reflection (Your own thoughts about the events of the chapter)
  • 10 Points Total

As you are working I will come around to help you. I might ask you questions like:
  • What does your summary need to start with?
  • Have you written the main idea?
  • What did you write for the main idea?
  • What relevant details are you including?
  • Why are those details important or relevant?
  • Have you used any transitional words to connect your thoughts and sentences? 
  • Are there any places where you should use transitional words or phrases.
  • What are your thoughts on the events of the chapter? (reflection)
  • What do you think about what you read? 

YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO FOLOW THE RULES OF WRITING. 
  • Indent the first sentence
  • All other lines are lined up on the margin line
  • Words go on the line
  • Put spaces between your words
  • Use proper capitalization & punctuation
  • Spelling matters (You should not be spelling words from the book incorrectly, especially character's names)
  • Neatness matters
How will I earn points for my Hogwarts House?

1st Place = 30 pts
2nd Place = 20 pts
3rd Place = 10 pts
4th Place = 5 pts

How will I be individually evaluated?
  • Three times throughout the unit (Chapters 5, 10, & 15) your summaries will be handed in digitally through google classroom as a quiz grade so I can formally assess your writing. 

Activity #3
Best Question

  • When we play "Best Question" your classroom teacher acts as the judge. 
  • Each house picks 1 representative to read the question they think is best, and then the student leads the discussion. 
  • After all 3 houses have led the discussion for their question the teacher will award house points for the question they think is best.
  • The points are entirely up to the teacher, and they may choose to award more or less points based on the strength of your questions.
  • Some days all Houses will earn points, while other days only one house might earn points. It all depends on you and the quality of your efforts. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Day 92: 2/11/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 1 Reading

 Homeroom:

          Good Morning. Please sit at your house table &  use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

  1. Check that your homework is done
  2. Make sure you have all your materials
  3. Sharpen pencils

ELA Learning Target:    
Today we will read chapter 1 and you will complete your first Literature Circle job.

Do Now:

  • Write down your homework
  • Pick up a copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • Open your notebook to page 45
Homework:
  • Finish Reading Chapter 1 & Complete your Lit Circle Job


Activity #1
Read Chapter 1

The Rules for Lit. Circle Discussions:
  1. While we read each chapter you will be expected to complete your job for that chapter. Each member of the group will have a different job, and the jobs will rotate each chapter so you will never have the same job twice in a row.
  2. If we do not finish reading a chapter in class it will be your responsibility to finish the reading, and complete your job. 
  3. At the start of each class the following day you will engage in a literature circle discussion about the reading. 
  4. The Discussion Director is the leader of the conversation. 
  5. You will take turns sharing, and engaging the rest of your group in a discussion about your topic/job.
  6. When you share it is your job to get the rest of the group involved. DO NOT READ! USE QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE THE REST OF YOUR GROUP MEMBERS! 
    • Summarizer: 
      • What happened in this chapter?
      • What would you include in a summary? Why? 
      • What are the most relevant details/events in this chapter? Put the events in order.
      • What's the main idea? (USE YOUR BOOK)
    • Character Captain:
      • What characters were in this chapter? 
      • What did they do, say, think, feel, etc? 
      • What did we learn about this character? 
      • Who were the most important characters? 
      • How did they impact the story? 
    • Vocab Enricher:
      • Pick a word. Take your group to the page. 
      • Have someone read the sentence. 
      • Ask, "What do you guys think this word means?" Then let them guess.
      • After everyone takes a guess, share the definition at the end. REPEAT! 
    • Conflict Evaluator:
      • What conflicts did you identify in this chapter? 
      • Why was this a conflict? 
      • Is it an internal or external conflict? 
      • How does this conflict impact the story?
    • Discussion Director:
      • Read the questions that you have already prepared. 
      • You can also ask the three questions below.
      1. A Lightbulb Moment!!! - Did anything stand out to you?
      2. A Question Mark - Is there anything you didn't understand? Perhaps something that you would want JK Rowling to explain?
      3. A Connection - What did you learn (about yourself) from this chapter?
Mr. T's Discussion Questions:
*Who are the characters?

*What is the setting? (Time and place)

*What is the basic situation our protagonist is in at the beginning of the book? (Exposition) 

*If Harry is a hero he should be experiencing Act 1 Stage 1 (The *Ordinary World) of the Hero's Journey, during these first few chapters. Can you describe how Harry feels out of place living with the Dursley's?

Friday, February 7, 2025

Day 91: 2/7/25 - Intro to Literature Circles & Harry Potter

Homeroom:

          Good Morning. Please sit at your house table &  use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

  1. Check that your homework is done
  2. Make sure you have all your materials
  3. Sharpen pencils
12:10 Dismissal Schedule
8:50 - 8:58         Homeroom/Breakfast
9:00 - 9:27         Block 1
9:30 - 9:57          Block 2
10:00 - 10:27     Block 3
10:30 - 11:00     Block 4
11:00 - 11:30      Lunch
11:36 - 12:01        Specials
12:10                    Dismissal 
ELA Learning Target:    
Today we will learn about literature circles and prepare to read Harry Potter.

Do Now:
  • Empty out your ELA Folder
  • Write down your independent work
  • Pick up a copy of the Title page for Unit 3, a copy of the Hero's Journey, and a glue stick
Independent Work:
  • Read the Hero's Journey


To do List:

  • Glue in title page and make tab
  • Glue in the Hero's Journey
  • Glue in Lit Circle Reading Assignments Page
  • Glue in Overview of Roles (2 Pages)
  • How do Literature Circles work? 
    • Day 1 - Reading Day
      • Start by reading the chapter (Usually out loud or in small groups)
      • While we read out loud, you complete your Lit Circle job
      • Finish Lit Circle job independently
    • Day 2 - Lit Circle Discussion & Competition Day
      • Lit Circle Job Check (Score 1 - 4)
      • Engage your group in a discussion about your specific job.
      • Participate in Duels:
        • The 45 Second Summary Challenge
        • The Hero's Journey Challenge
        • The Best Question Challenge
  • Review the Overview of Roles For Lit Circle Jobs
  • Pass out books
  • Read Hero's Journey

What are Literature Circles?
Literature circles are a way to collaborate, discuss, and share our ideas about a text. Each member of the group has a different job or role.

The Rules for Lit. Circle Discussions:
  1. While we read each chapter you will be expected to complete your job for that chapter. Each member of the group will have a different job, and the jobs will rotate each chapter so you will never have the same job twice in a row.
  2. If we do not finish reading a chapter in class it will be your responsibility to finish the reading, and complete your job independently. 
  3. At the start of each class the following day you will engage in a literature circle discussion about the reading. 
  4. The Discussion Director is in charge. They lead the conversation. 
  5. You will take turns sharing, and engaging the rest of your group in a discussion about your topic/job.
The Order for Sharing:
1. The Summarizer
2. The Character Captain
3. The Vocabulary Enricher 
4. The Conflict Evaluator 

5. The Discussion Director
  • When you share it is your job to get the rest of the group involved in the discussion. DO NOT JUST READ!
  • USE QUESTIONS TO ENGAGE THE REST OF YOUR GROUP MEMBERS! 
    • Summarizer - What would you include in a summary? Why? What next? etc. Put the events in order. What are the most relevant details of this chapter? What's the main idea? (USE YOUR BOOK)
    • Character Captain - What character do you want to talk about? What did they do, say, think, feel, etc? What did we learn about this character? Who were the most important characters? How did they impact the story? 
    • Vocab Enricher - Pick a word. Take your group to the page. Have someone read the sentence. Ask, "What do you guys think this word means?" After everyone takes a guess, share the definition at the end. REPEAT! 
    • Conflict Evaluator - What conflicts did you identify in this chapter? Why was this a conflict? How does this conflict impact the story?
    • Discussion Director - Read the questions that you have already prepared. You can also ask the three questions below.
      1. A Lightbulb Moment!!! - Did anything stand out to you?
      2. A Question Mark - Is there anything you didn't understand? Perhaps something that you would want JK Rowling to explain?
      3. A Connection - What did you learn (about yourself) from this chapter?


What is the 45 Second Summary Challenge?

In this challenge you will work with the members of your house to write a summary of the chapter. You will have 12 minutes to write. Each person will write their own summary in their notebooks. Your summaries can be exactly the same, or you can write them in your own words.  

Each house will then choose a representative to read their summary out loud. The representatives from each house will have just 45 seconds to read their summary. I will act as the impartial judges and award points for the best summaries based on the criteria below.

The summary will be written on the page right next to your Lit Circle job. (We will set this page up together) 

Your summaries should include:
  • 2 Pts - The main idea 
  • 6 Pts - The most relevant details
  • 2 Pts - Your reflection (Your own thoughts about the events of the chapter)
  • 10 Points Total

As you are working I will come around to provide you with support. I might ask you questions like:
  • What does your summary need to start with?
  • Have you written the main idea?
  • What did you write for your main idea?
  • What details are you including?
  • Why are those details important or relevant?
  • Have you used any transitional words to connect your thoughts and sentences? 
  • Are there any places where you should use transitional words or phrases.
  • What are your thoughts on the events of the chapter? (reflection)
  • What do you think about what you read? 
  • How do these events show that Harry is a literary hero?
  • Capitals, Periods, Grammar, & Sentence Structure

YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO FOLOW THE RULES OF WRITING. 
  • Indent the first sentence
  • All other lines are lined up on the margin line
  • Words go on the line
  • Put spaces between your words
  • Proper capitalization
  • Punctuation
  • Spelling matters (You should not be spelling words from the book incorrectly, especially character's names)
  • Neatness
How will I earn points for my Hogwarts House?
Points are at the discretion of the judge but here is an approximation of how the points might work out.

1st Place = 30 pts
2nd Place = 20 pts
3rd Place = 10 pts
4th Place = 5 pts

As we get farther into the unit, the point values will go up.

How will I be individually evaluated?
Your summaries will regularly be written in your notebook as practice. However, three times throughout the unit (Chapters 5, 10, & 15) your summaries will be handed in digitally through google classroom as a quiz grade so I can formally assess your writing. 


What is Best Question?

  • When we play "Best Question" your classroom teacher acts as the judge. 
  • Each house picks 1 representative to read the question they think is best, and then the student leads the discussion. 
  • After all 3 houses have led the discussion for their question the teacher will award house points for the question they think is best.
  • The points are entirely up to the teacher, and they may choose to award more or less points based on the strength of your questions.
  • Some days all Houses will earn points, while other days only one house might earn points. It all depends on you and the quality of your efforts.