Day 11: 9/22/26 - STAR Assessment & Transition Words

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. STAR Reading Assessment

Tips to do your best

• Take your Time
• Read carefully
• Reread when needed
• Read ALL answers before choosing one
• Use process of elimination
• DO NOT RUSH!!!!

To get to the STAR Online Assessment:

• Go to Clever and locate the Renaissance Icon.
• Click on it 
• Wait for further directions

Once you are logged into STAR:

• Click on Take a Reading Test
• Make sure you select ELA Mr. Trumble
• ***If your computer asks for the monitor password, it is "admin"

When you finish:

• Quietly Close your computer
• Sit quietly & Read Independently
• YOU MAY NOT use your chromebook except to complete your STAR test! 

IMPORTANT:

The room should remain silent and you should remain in your seats unless it is an emergency. If you do not finish your STAR test we can pause your test and have you finish during ELA. 

Good Luck!!! 

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ELA:

Today we will complete the STAR Reading assessment and get notes on using transition words. 

Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Open your computer and go to your Clever dashboard.

Homework: 

• Finish past due quizzes and assignments
• Finish the Identifying Transitions Practice on Google Classroom

Activity #1

Finish the STAR Reading Assessment

Tips to do your best

• Take your Time
• Read carefully
• Reread when needed
• Read ALL answers before choosing one
• Use process of elimination
• DO NOT RUSH!!!!

To get to the STAR Online Assessment:

• Go to Clever and locate the Renaissance Icon.
• Click on it 
• Wait for further directions

Once you are logged into STAR:

• Click on Take a Reading Test
• Make sure you select ELA Mr. Trumble
• ***If your computer asks for the monitor password, it is "admin"

When you finish:

• Quietly Close your computer
• Sit quietly & Read Independently
• YOU MAY NOT use your chromebook except to complete your STAR test! 

IMPORTANT:

The room should remain silent and you should remain in your seats unless it is an emergency. If you do not finish your STAR test we can pause your test and have you finish during ELA. 

Activity #2 

Using Transitions

• Another word for Transition words is CONJUNCTIONS
• They are used to connect sentences and ideas
• They helps our writing flow from one idea to another
• They help our writing sound better
• AND, BUT, and OR are the most popular, and are used more than any other.

A conjunction is a type of transition word that joins two small sentences to make longer more complex sentences. AND, BUT, and OR are the most popular, and are used more than any other.

Directions: 

• On the next page of your notebook set up the date, title and page number.
• Glue in the list of transition words and phrases

Day 10: 9/21/26 - Chapter 6 & Setting

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Review Reading Guide from chapter 5
2. Set up new Reading Guide
3. Read - Aloud Chapters 6 & Complete the New Reading Guide

1. Review Chapter 5

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in the last chapter?

2. The Reading Guide: 

Your reading guide NOW has 4 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?
• Questions  - Do your best to write 2 questions. Remember you want to ask level 2 & 3 discussion questions. 

3. Read-Aloud Ch 6 Directions: 

Read chapter 6 of Freak the Mighty, Complete the Reading Guide, and bring it with you to ELA.

• While you read it is important to annotate. (Take Notes) This will help you understand the story
• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly

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ELA:

Today we will complete a quiz for chapter 6, and get notes about setting.
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your Reading guide from chapter 6
• Open your computer & go to my Google classroom

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments

Activity #1

Chapter 6 Quiz: 10 minutes

1. Log in to your chromebook. 

2. Go to my google classroom

3. Click on the classwork tab

4. Complete the quiz independently. You may use your notes & book, but keep your answers private, and the room should remain silent. 

When everyone is done we will go over the reading guide.

Activity #2 

Review Freak the Mighty: Chapter 6

Review

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in this chapter?

Best Question: 

• Meet with your small group
• Take turns sharing the level 2 & 3 questions you wrote
• Discuss your answers to the questions
• Pick 1 question that you think is best
• We will then share those questions with the whole class

Activity #3

Setting Notes

Day 9: 9/18/26 - Identifying Claims Practice

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful morning.

Do Now:

1. Check the schedule and get your materials
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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8:50 - 9:03 Homeroom

9:05 - 9:45 Specials

9:48 - 10:09 Block 3

10:12 - 10:30 Block 4

10:33 - 10:54 Block 1

10:57 - 11:15 Block 2

11:18 - 11:58 Music Block

12:01 - 12:37 WIN

12:40 - 1:10 Lunch

1:10 - 1:30  Clean up, Use restroom, & report to cafeteria

1:30 - Presentation

When presentation is done and all questions are asked, outside until 3:25

3:25 To their lockers to get everything to go home.

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ELA:

Today we will practice identifying claims within a passage.
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Pick up a copy of the practice from the front table

Homework: 

• Enjoy your weekend

Activity #1

Identifying Claims

Directions:

• Read each passage 
• Then answer the question: Which statement is a claim made in the passage
• When you finish check over your work before putting it in the red bin
• After handing it in, work on any past due assignments, or read your independent reading book

Claims and Evidence Quiz

Question 1: The Power of Sleep

Many middle school students stay up late to play video games or talk to friends. However, your brain needs at least nine hours of rest to work correctly. When you sleep, your brain organizes what you learned during the day and repairs your muscles. Without enough rest, it is much harder to focus in class or stay in a good mood. Getting to bed early is the best way to make sure your body and mind stay healthy.

Which statement is a claim made in the passage? 

A) Video games are the main reason students stay up late. 

B) Most 6th graders only get six hours of sleep. 

C) Getting enough sleep is essential for a student’s brain and body. 

D) Teachers should give less homework so students can sleep.

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Question 2: National Parks

National parks are special places that are protected by the government so that the land stays natural. These parks provide a safe home for many endangered animals, like grizzly bears and sea turtles. They also allow people to see beautiful forests and mountains without buildings or factories in the way. Because these parks protect nature and wildlife, we must continue to support and fund them for future generations.

Which statement is a claim made in the passage? 

A) National parks are the only places where bears live. 

B) It is important to protect national parks to save nature and animals. 

C) People should have to pay more money to visit national parks. 

D) Factories are being built inside some national parks.

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Question 3: The Benefits of School Sports

Joining a sports team at school is about more than just winning trophies. When students play on a team, they learn how to communicate and work together to reach a goal. Sports also help students stay active, which keeps their hearts strong and healthy. Even if a student isn't the best athlete, the lessons they learn about teamwork and fitness are very valuable for their future.

Which statement is a claim made in the passage? 

A) Every student should try to win a trophy. 

B) Basketball is the most popular sport in middle school. 

C) School sports help students develop health and teamwork skills. 

D) Students who play sports always get better grades.

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Question 4: Plastic in the Ocean

Every year, millions of tons of plastic trash end up in the world’s oceans. This is a huge problem because sea animals often mistake plastic for food, which can make them very sick. Plastic also takes hundreds of years to break down, meaning it stays in the water for a long time. People need to reduce the amount of single-use plastic they use, like straws and bags, to help keep our oceans clean and safe.

Which statement is a claim made in the passage? 

A) Sea turtles are the only animals that eat plastic. 

B) Plastic breaks down into water very quickly. 

C) All plastic should be banned from every store immediately. 

D) People should use less plastic to protect the ocean environment.

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Question 5: The Importance of Art Class

Some people think that subjects like math and science are the only important parts of school. However, art class is just as important because it teaches students how to think creatively. In art, there is often no "right" or "wrong" answer, which allows students to practice solving problems in new ways. These creative skills can actually help students do better in other subjects and in their future jobs.

Which statement is a claim made in the passage? 

A) Math is more difficult for students than art is. 

B) Art class helps students develop important creative thinking skills. 

C) Students should spend more time in art than in science class.

D) You must be a talented painter to enjoy art class.

Day 8: 9/17/26 - Freak the Mighty Chapters 5 & Asking Questions

Homeroom:

Good Morning, I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Review Reading Guide from chapter 4
2. Set up new Reading Guide
3. Read - Aloud Chapters 5 & Complete the New Reading Guide

1. Review Chapter 4

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What do you think about them so far?
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

2. The Reading Guide: 

I expect you to come to ELA with your reading guide complete. Your reading guide has 3 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?

3. Read-Aloud Ch 5 Directions: 

Read chapter 5 of Freak the Mighty & complete the Reading Guide.

• While you read it is important to annotate. (Take Notes) This will help you understand the story
• In the beginning of stories good readers should pay attention to the characters, setting and basic situations within the plot.
• Think: Who are the characters, and what do I know about them?
• Think: Where and when does the story take place?
• Think: What is the basic situation? What is happening in the plot? 
• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly
• Complete the Reading guide during class and bring it to ELA

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ELA:

Today we will complete a quiz for chapter 5, and learn new strategies for asking good questions.
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your Reading guide from chapter 5
• Open your computer & go to my Google classroom

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments

Activity #1

Chapter 5 Quiz: 10 minutes

1. Log in to your chromebook. 

2. Go to my google classroom

3. Click on the classwork tab

4. Complete the Chapter 5 quiz independently. You may use your notes & book, but keep your answers private, and the room should remain silent. 

 

When everyone is done we will go over the chapter 5 reading guide.

Activity #2 

Review Freak the Mighty: Chapter 5

Review

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What do you think about them so far?
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

Activity #3

Asking Questions?

• Good readers are always thinking about what they are reading.
• One way to think about your reading is to ask good questions
• Questions have 4 Levels 

Level 1 - Has only 1 correct answer, and the answer can be found in the book.

Ex: What is Freak's mom's name?

Ex: What does Max get out of the tree for Kevin?

Level 2 - Has an infinite number of answers, and it puts you in the book. It asks you what you think the characters should do, think, feel, etc. or what you would do, think, feel. etc. 

Ex: What do you think Max & Kevin should have done when they had their run-in with Tony D. and his gang? 

Ex: How would you react to Tony D.

Ex: If you were Max, how would you feel about being in an "LD class"

Ex: I wonder if we will ever find out why Max's dad is in prison.

In a level two question we are talking about the book, it's characters, setting, plot, etc, and putting ourselves in the book

Level 3 - Has an infinite number of answers, and it pulls something that happens in the book and asks you to apply it to your own life?

Ex: Have you ever had an encounter with a bully? If so, how did you handle it?

Ex: When was the first time you got to go somewhere alone with just a friend, and no parents to watch you? Where was it, and how did it go?

Ex: 

In a level 3 question we are no longer talking about the book or the characters. We leave the book behind and talk about situations from our own lives, that are similar to those in the book?

Level 4 - Require research & additional resources to dig deep into a question. 

Ex: Can you identify the name of the disease Kevin has, along with describing the symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment?

Ex: How is Kevin from Freak the Mighty similar to Wahoo from the book Chomp?

Ex: How does bullying affect typical American children?

Practice:

• With your group you will practice writing one good level 2 or 3 questions about the first 5 chapters. 
• Pick a representative to read your question out loud to the class

Day 7: 9/16/26 - Freak the Mighty Chapter 4 & Figurative Language Mix and Mingle

Homeroom:

Good Morning, I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Get all your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Review important information from chapter 1-3
2. Set up new Reading Guide
3. Read - Aloud Chapters 4 & Complete the New Reading Guide

1. Review Chapter 1-3

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What do you think about them so far?
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

2. The Reading Guide: 

I expect you to come to ELA with your reading guide complete. Your reading guide has 3 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?

3. Read-Aloud Ch 4 Directions: 

Read chapter 4 of Freak the Mighty & complete the Reading Guide.

• While you read it is important to annotate. (Take Notes) This will help you understand the story
• In the beginning of stories good readers should pay attention to the characters, setting and basic situations within the plot.
• Think: Who are the characters, and what do I know about them?
• Think: Where and when does the story take place?
• Think: What is the basic situation? What is happening in the plot? 
• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly
• Complete the Reading guide during class and bring it to ELA

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ELA:

Today we will complete a quiz for chapter 4, and then we will review figurative language by playing Mix & Mingle. 
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your Reading guide from chapter 4

Homework: 

• Finish any past due Quizzes or assignments

Activity #1

Chapter 4 Quiz: 10 minutes

1. Log in to your chromebook. 

2. Go to my google classroom

3. Click on the classwork tab

4. Complete the Chapter 4 quiz independently. You may use your notes & book, but keep your answers private, and the room should remain silent. 

 

When everyone is done we will go over the chapter 4 quiz and reading guide.

Activity #2 

Review Freak the Mighty: Chapter 4

Review

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What do you think about them so far?
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

Activity #3

Review: Figurative Language

Mix & Mingle

Directions:

• Get up out of your seat and find a partner to share your homework responses with.
• When I ring the bell you will find a partner. You will have just 60 seconds to work with that partner.
• Give your partner 1 of the answers on your graphic organizer.
• Get one answer from your partner. 
• You may change answers, or add to the answers you already have.
• When the whistle blows find a new partner
• Repeat the process of Giving one response, and getting one response. 
• The goal is to work together to find and label as many of the examples of figurative language as you can. There are 12 in all!

Day 6: 9/15/26 - Finish Freak the Mighty Chapter 1-3 & Figurative Language

Homeroom:

Good Morning, I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Do Now:

1. Make sure you have all your materials for reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Review & Reread chapter 1-3
2. Complete the Reading Guide

1. Review Chapter 1-3

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What do you think about them so far?
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

2. The Reading Guide: 

I expect you to come to ELA with your reading guide complete. Your reading guide has 3 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?

3. Read-Aloud Ch 1 - 3 Directions: 

Read chapter 1 - 3 of Freak the Mighty & complete the Reading Guide.

• While you read it is important to annotate. (Take Notes) This will help you understand the story
• In the beginning of stories good readers should pay attention to the characters, setting and basic situations within the plot.
• Think: Who are the characters, and what do I know about them?
• Think: Where and when does the story take place?
• Think: What is the basic situation? What is happening in the plot? 
• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly
• Complete the Reading guide during class and bring it to ELA

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ELA:

Today we will complete a quiz for chapter 1 - 3, and then get notes on Figurative Language. 
                               
Do Now:

• Write tonight's homework in your agenda
• Take out your Reading guide from chapter 1-3
• Login to your computer

Homework: 

• Finish Figurative Language Practice

Activity #1

Chapter 1 - 3 Quiz: 10 minutes

1. Go to my google classroom

2. Click on the classwork tab

3. Complete the Chapter 1-3 quiz independently. You may use your notes & book, but keep your answers private, and the room should remain silent. 

 

When everyone is done we will go over the chapter 1 - 3 reading guide.

Activity #2 

Review Freak the Mighty: Chapter 1-3

Review

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What do you think about them so far?
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?

Activity #3

Interactive Notebook Notes
Topic: Figurative Language

• Figurative Language is when words go beyond their literal meaning

• Simile
• uses the words 'like' or 'as' to compare one thing with another. 
• Ex: She was as busy as a bee. He played like a beast during the basketball game.
• Metaphor
• makes a direct comparison between one thing and another. 
• Ex: He was a beast during the basketball game.
• Personification
• when human characteristics are given to an animal or nonliving object.
• Ex: my teddy bear gave me a hug. The lightening danced across the sky. The wind howled.
• Hyperbole
• An exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe the statement is true. Often used to make a point. 
• Ex: He's got a million video games. 
• Redbull - It gives you wings!
• Alliteration
• The repetition of the initial sound in closely connected words
• Ex: Go and gather the green garbage in the gutter
• She sells sea shells down by the sea shore
• Onomatopoeia
• Sound Words
• Ex: The car went boom!
• Ex: Splash, buzz, zip, zoom, etc.
• Idiom
• an expression that cannot be understood by the words alone
• Ex: It's raining cats and dogs
• Ex: Hold your horses
• Ex: I have a frog in my throat
• Allusion:
• A reference made to something that is not directly mentioned
• Kevin calls his mom the "Fair Gwen" - a reference to the Fair Guinevere from the Legend of King Arthur

Homework

• You can work independently or with a Partner
• Use your notes on figurative language to complete the figurative language practice. I will show you how to find the first one.

Have a great day.

Day 5: 9/14/26 - Freak the Mighty Chapters 1-3 & What are the Literary Elements

Homeroom:

I hope you are all having a wonderful morning. Please use this time to get ready for your day.

Do Now:

1. Get your materials for Reading and Block 1
2. Eat your breakfast
3. Sharpen pencils

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Reading Block:

Agenda:

1. Turn & Talk
2. Preview Reading Guide
3. Read - Aloud Chapters 1 - 3 & Complete the Reading Guide

1. Turn & Talk

Freak the Mighty is largely a story about the unlikely friendship between two very different boys named Max & Kevin. 

Prompt #1 - What does it mean to be a good friend?

Prompt #2 - How should you treat people who are different from you? Explain your thinking.

 

2. The Reading Guide: 

I expect you to come to ELA with your reading guide complete. Your reading guide has 3 sections.

• Setting - Where & when do the events takes place?
• Characters - What do you know about the main characters?
• Plot - What are the important events from the chapter?

3. Read-Aloud Ch 1-3 Directions: 

Read chapter 1 - 3 of Freak the Mighty & complete the Reading Guide.

• While you read it is important to annotate. (Take Notes) This will help you understand the story
• In the beginning of stories good readers should pay attention to the characters, setting and basic situations within the plot.
• Think: Who are the characters, and what do I know about them?
• Think: Where and when does the story take place?
• Think: What is the basic situation? What is happening in the plot? 
• Include as many details in your response as you can. 
• Write neatly
• Complete the Reading guide during class and bring it to ELA

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W.I.N. Time 12:01 - 12:37

• Stay in Seat & Raise your hand!!!

• Check Materials

• Review Agendas & HW

• ***ALL Agendas are out and on your desk***

• ***Writing utensil

• Can’t go anywhere until 12:15 (includes the bathroom & back to your locker) You must work independently and put in effort before you can go get help!!!

• Looks like: Students working independently to complete assignments, assigned today, or due today

• Sounds like: Silent!

• Absolutely no computer or game playing. 

• There is a big difference between having your work done, and your work done well.

• If you work is done well, you must get out your independent reading book and read.

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ELA:

Today we will assemble our "Who Are You" shields, get our first set of notes on the literary elements, and review chapters 1-3

Do Now:

• Write your homework in your agenda
• Take out the "Who Are You" activity

Homework: 

• Finish the "Who are You?" activity if it is not already done.
• Bring your computer to class tomorrow

Activity #1

Chapter 3 Quiz

1. Log in to your chromebook. 

2. Go to google classroom & Find Mr. Trumble's ELA (If this is your first time going to my google classroom you will need to add my class using the class code)

3. Click on the classwork tab

4. Complete the Chapter 1-3 quiz (We will do this first quiz together as a whole class. Keep your answers private, but I will read it aloud.

Activity #2

Who Are You

1. Cut out the shield

2. Choose a piece of construction paper

3. Glue the shield to the construction paper

4. Put your finished shield in the red bin

5. I will come around to Collect the personal information page

Activity #3

What are the Literary Elements?

(Notes go on the next page in your interactive notebook)

(This is a copy of notes from a previous year)

Activity #3

Review Chapters 1 -3

Small Group Directions:

• With the members of your group discuss Chapters 1 -3 using the Key Questions below. 
• You may add, erase, or change information on your reading guide
• Your goal is to have as much information as you can about the setting, characters, and plot
• While you work I am going to come around to check that your classwork is done

Key Questions for chapter 1 -3

• Who are the 2 main characters?
• What do you know about them?
• How do you know? (What is your evidence?)
• What do you think about them so far?
• What is the setting? When & Where. Include Descriptive details. 
• What are the important plot events? What happened in these chapters?