Day 124: 4/7/25 - NYS Test Practice

 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 take a practice test to prepare for tomorrow's state test. 

Do Now:

• Write Down the your homework
• Open your Chromebook and go to my blog
  

Homework:

• Go to bed early
• Eat a healthy breakfast

Activity #1

Online Practice Test

Tips to do your best

• Read closely
• Reread
• Work Carefully
• Take your time
• Go back into the text
• Use the online tools
• Preview questions
• Type in complete sentences
• Include your evidence when necessary
• Always answer all parts of the question
• Always use capitals and punctuation

To access the practice test go to the links tab on the left hand side of the blog.

1. Click on NYS Test Practice

2. Scroll down to Select Question Sampler. 

3. Select 'ELA'

4. Select Grade 6

5. Select Sampler 1, Sampler 2, or Sampler 3

6. Click on 'Start Test'

7. Select Continue

8. I will read through the directions and provide you with a demonstration of the online testing tools.

Your goal is to explore how to use the tools on your own, and practice answering test questions.  We will look at some of the questions together.

Day 123: 4/4/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 15 Lit. Circle Discussion

 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 15, and compete in the 45 Second Summary Challenge.

Do Now:

• Write Down the your homework
• Open your notebook to your job from chapter 15
• Bring me your grade report

Homework:

• Finish reading chapter 15 (if not already done)

Activity #1

Chapter 15 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:

• How does Draco react to Dumbledore being removed from Hogwarts as Headmaster?
• How does everyone else react?
• Who apologizes to Harry? Why?
• What do Harry and Ron use the invisibility cloak for in this chapter?
• Where do the spiders lead Harry and Ron?
• What do Harry and Ron learn from Aragog?
• What do the spiders in the forest do to Harry and Ron?
• How do Harry and Ron escape?
• If you were Harry or Ron, would you have followed the spiders? Explain?
• Who does Harry think the monster killed 50 years ago?
• What do you think Harry and Ron should do next?

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. 

Day 122: 4/3/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 15 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 15 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 15 & Complete your Lit Circle Job (Today everyone will complete the Summarizer Job)

Activity #1

Read Chapter 15

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:

• How does Draco react to Dumbledore being removed from Hogwarts as Headmaster?
• How does everyone else react?
• Who apologizes to Harry? Why?
• What do Harry and Ron use the invisibility cloak for in this chapter?
• Where do the spiders lead Harry and Ron?
• What do Harry and Ron learn from Aragog?
• What do the spiders in the forest do to Harry and Ron?
• How do Harry and Ron escape?
• If you were Harry or Ron, would you have followed the spiders? Explain?
• Who does Harry think the monster killed 50 years ago?
• What do you think Harry and Ron should do next?

Day 121: 4/2/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 14 Lit. Circle Discussion

 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 14, and compete in the 45 Second Summary Challenge.

Do Now:

• Write Down the your homework
• Open your notebook to your job from chapter 14
• Discussion Directors - open your computer to my blog

Homework:

• Finish reading chapter 14 (if not already done)

Activity #1

Chapter 14 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:

• If you were Harry, Ron, or Hermione what would you think about the news that Hagrid was the person who opened the Chamber of Secrets?
• What happened to the diary?
• Where does Hermione go when she thinks she has "it" all figured out?
• What happened to Hermione?
• Why do Harry and Ron use the invisibility cloak?
• If you had an invisibility cloak what would you do with it?
• Who is Cornelius Fudge?
• Why does he come to Hogwarts?
• What happens to Hagrid?
• When Dumbledore and Cornelius Fudge are in Hagrid's hut, who shows up?
• Why is he there?
• What happens to Dumbledore?
• What advice does Hagrid give to Harry and Ron?
• What do you think is going to happen at Hogwarts now that Hagrid and Dumbledore are both gone?
• Harry has now lost his smartest ally, Hermione, and both of his mentors, Hagrid and Dumbledore? The only person Harry has left is Ron. What would you do next if you were Harry?
• Harry loses three very important people in his life in this chapter. Have you ever lost an important person in your life? Who was it? What happened, and how did it affect you?

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. 

Day 120: 4/1/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 14 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

Schedule

9:55 - 10:12     Homeroom

10:15 - 10:54     Block 1

10:57 - 11: 36     Block 2

11:39 - 12:18     Block 3

12:21 - 12:48     W.I.N.

12: 50 - 1:20     Lunch

1: 23 - 1: 35     W.I.N.

1:38 - 2:16     Block 4

2:19 - 2: 33     Homeroom

2:35 - 3:05     Special Area

3:08 - 3:30     Choice Time

3:30 - 3:35     Dismissal

ELA Learning Target:    

Today we will read chapter 14 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 14 & Complete your Lit Circle Job 

Activity #1

Read Chapter 14

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:

• If you were Harry, Ron, or Hermione what would you think about the news that Hagrid was the person who opened the Chamber of Secrets?
• What happened to the diary?
• Where does Hermione go when she thinks she has "it" all figured out?
• What happened to Hermione?
• Why do Harry and Ron use the invisibility cloak?
• If you had an invisibility cloak what would you do with it?
• Who is Cornelius Fudge?
• Why does he come to Hogwarts?
• What happens to Hagrid?
• When Dumbledore and Cornelius Fudge are in Hagrid's hut, who shows up?
• Why is he there?
• What happens to Dumbledore?
• What advice does Hagrid give to Harry and Ron?
• What do you think is going to happen at Hogwarts now that Hagrid and Dumbledore are both gone?
• Harry has now lost his smartest ally, Hermione, and both of his mentors, Hagrid and Dumbledore? The only person Harry has left is Ron. What would you do next if you were Harry?
• Harry loses three very important people in his life in this chapter. Have you ever lost an important person in your life? Who was it? What happened, and how did it affect you?

Day 119: 3/31/25 - Harry Potter Chapter 13 Lit. Circle Discussion

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 11, and compete in the 45 Second Summary Challenge.

Do Now:

• Write Down the your homework
• Open your notebook to your job from chapter 13
• Discussion Directors - open your computer to my blog

Homework:

• Finish reading chapter 13 (if not already done)

Activity #1

Chapter 13 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:

• What do Harry and Ron find in Myrtle's bathroom
• Who does the item belong to?
• How does Lockhart plan to celebrate Valentine's Day?
• Who sends Harry a Valentine?
• How does Harry figure out how to work the diary
• What does Harry learn from T.M. Riddle when he uses the diary?
• What is the creature that was thought to be the monster from the Chamber of Secrets?
• Who opened the Chamber of Secrets 50 years ago?
• If you were Harry how would react to the news about Hagrid?

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.