APW Elementary

APW Elementary
Rebel Pride Starts Inside

Friday, March 27, 2026

Day 120: 3/27/26 - Harry Potter Movie (Part 2)

 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:
Block 1 9:13 - 9:48
Block 4 9:51 - 10:26
Block 2 10:29 - 11:04
Block 3 11:07 - 11:42
Music Block 11:45 - 12:25
Lunch 12:28 - 12:58
Movie - The Croods 1:00 - 2:47
Specials 2:50 - 3:30
Dismissal 3:35


ELA Learning Target:    
Today we will watch the second part of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Do Now:
  • Write down your homework
Homework:
  • Enjoy your Spring Break

Activity #1
Watch Harry Potter Part 2
Part 1 (00:00 - 44:00 min)
Part 2 (44 min - 1hr 19 min)


Thursday, March 26, 2026

Day 119: 3/26/26 - NY State Test Review

 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 some passages and practice identifying "Claims" and "Evidence."
Do Now:
  • Write Down the your homework
Homework:
  • No HW


Activity #1
Practice Identifying "Claims" & "Evidence"

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!!!!
  • Answer all parts of the question
  • short written response
  • long written response
Directions:
Stage 1
  1. You will be working independently
  2. Choose either passages #1, 2, or 3 from the "Claims" section on the front table
  3. Read each passage, then select the best answer by identifying a claim from the passage.
  4. Read carefully. You may annotate the passages if it helps you. 
  5. Once you have finished all five, bring it to me to check your answers. I will tell you how many you have correct, then you will go back to your seat to make corrections until you can get 5 out of 5. 
  6. Once you pass Stage 1, you can go on to Stage 2.
Stage 2
  1. You will be working independently
  2. Choose either passages #1, 2, or 3 from the "Evidence" section on the front table
  3. Read each passage, then select the best answer by identifying relevant evidence that supports the claim from the passage.
  4. Read carefully. You may annotate the passages if it helps you. 
  5. Once you have finished all five, bring it to me to check your answers. I will tell you how many you have correct, then you will have to make corrections until you get 5 out of 5. 
  6. Once you pass Stage 2, you may go back to Stage 1, pick a different number, and repeat the process. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Day 118: 3/25/26 - Harry Potter Chapter 12 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 12, and compete in the 30 Second Claims & Evidence Challenge.

Do Now:
  • Write Down the your homework
  • Open your notebook to your job from chapter 12
  • Discussion Directors - open your computer to my blog
Homework:
  • Finish reading chapter 12 (if not already done)


Activity #1
Chapter 12 Lit Circle Discussions

The Rules for Lit. Circle Discussions:
  1. The Discussion Director is the leader of the conversation. 
  2. You will take turns sharing, and engaging the rest of your group in a discussion about your topic/job.
  3. 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 else happened?
    • 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? 
      • Pick an important character
    • 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 were 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 does the sorting hat tell Harry?
  • What happens to the bird in Dumbledore's office?
  • What is special about Fawkes the Phoenix?
  • Do you think Harry should tell Dumbledore about the voice? Explain?
  • If you were Harry would you tell Dumbledore about the voice?
  • Harry, Ron, and Hermione drink the Polyjuice potion on Christmas. How do you spend your Christmas?
  • Who do Harry, Ron, and Hermione turn themselves into with the Polyjuice Potion?
  • How long will they have before they turn back into themselves?
  • What happens when they drink the potion?
  • What do Harry and Ron learn from Malfoy?
  • In the end what does the polyjuice potion do to Hermione?
  • If you were Harry, Ron, or Hermione what would you do next?
Activity #2
The 30 Second "Claims & Evidence" Challenge?

Directions:
Based on the reading you need to pick a prompt and answer the question using a clear, specific claim. Then, support your claim with 3 pieces of evidence from the text. 

Prompt #1

 After Harry and Ron use the Polyjuice Potion to infiltrate the Slytherin common room, what can the reader infer about Draco Malfoy’s actual connection to the Chamber of Secrets? How does this contradict the trio's original theory? Provide three details from Chapter 12 to support your conclusion.

Prompt #2

During his visit to the Headmaster's office, Professor Dumbledore gives Harry a clear opportunity to confess anything that might be bothering him, yet Harry chooses to stay silent. What can be inferred about Harry's internal fears at this point in the story? Provide three details from Chapter 12 that contribute to his decision to keep secrets.



Scoring
Claim = 2pts
Piece of Evidence #1 = 2 pts
Piece of Evidence #2 = 2 pts
Piece of Evidence #3 = 2 pts
Total = 8 pts

Your answer should be about 4 sentences.
Use transition words, especially between your evidence.

When adding evidence try these phrases:
  • In the text it says ...
  • In the book ...
  • In the novel ...
  • In the story ...
  • In the passage ...
  • According to the story ...
  • According to the book ...
  • According to the novel ...
  • According to the text ...
  • According to the passage ...

Each house will then choose a representative to read their response out loud. The representatives from each house will have just 30 seconds to 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

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, March 24, 2026

Day 117: 3/24/26 - Harry Potter Chapter 12 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 12 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 12 & Complete your Lit Circle Job 


Activity #1
Read Chapter 12

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 does the sorting hat tell Harry?
  • What happens to the bird in Dumbledore's office?
  • What is special about Fawkes the Phoenix?
  • Do you think Harry should tell Dumbledore about the voice? Explain?
  • If you were Harry would you tell Dumbledore about the voice?
  • Harry, Ron, and Hermione drink the Polyjuice potion on Christmas. How do you spend your Christmas?
  • Who do Harry, Ron, and Hermione turn themselves into with the Polyjuice Potion?
  • How long will they have before they turn back into themselves?
  • What happens when they drink the potion?
  • What do Harry and Ron learn from Malfoy?
  • In the end what does the polyjuice potion do to Hermione?
  • If you were Harry, Ron, or Hermione what would you do next?

Monday, March 23, 2026

Day 116: 3/23/26 - Harry Potter Chapter 11 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 "Claims & Evidence" Challenge.

Do Now:
  • Write Down the your homework
  • Open your notebook to your job from chapter 11
  • Discussion Directors - open your computer to my blog
Homework:
  • Finish reading chapter 11 (if not already done)


Activity #1
Chapter 11 Lit Circle Discussions

The Rules for Lit. Circle Discussions:
  1. The Discussion Director is the leader of the conversation. 
  2. You will take turns sharing, and engaging the rest of your group in a discussion about your topic/job.
  3. 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 else happened?
    • 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? 
      • Pick an important character
    • 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 were 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 steals the ingredients to make the Polyjuice Potion?
  • Why do you think that person really wants to make the potion more than the others?
  • Who starts the dueling club?
  • Who does Harry get paired with at the dueling club?
  • Draco uses a spell on Harry at the dueling club. What did the spell do?
  • What is a Parselmouth?
  • If you were Ron or Hermione how would you react to Harry being a Parselmouth?
  • Who do the students at Hogwarts believe is the Heir of Slytherin?
  • Who does Harry find Petrified?
  • What should Hogwarts do about the attacks?

Activity #2
The 45 Second "Claims & Evidence" Challenge?

Directions:
Based on the reading you need to pick a prompt and answer the question using a clear, specific claim. Then, support your claim with 3 pieces of evidence from the text. 

Prompt #1
After the events of the Dueling Club, what do most of the other students infer about Harry, and why do they jump to this conclusion? Provide three details from Chapter 11 that explain their reaction.

Prompt #2
Based on Professor Lockhart’s behavior and performance during the Dueling Club in Chapter 11, what can you infer about his true magical abilities? Support your inference with at least three specific details from the text.

Scoring
Claim = 2pts
Piece of Evidence #1 = 2 pts
Piece of Evidence #2 = 2 pts
Piece of Evidence #3 = 2 pts
Total = 8 pts

Your answer should be about 4 sentences.
Use transition words, especially between your evidence.

When adding evidence try these phrases:
  • In the text it says ...
  • In the book ...
  • In the novel ...
  • In the story ...
  • In the passage ...
  • According to the story ...
  • According to the book ...
  • According to the novel ...
  • According to the text ...
  • According to the passage ...

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

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. 

Friday, March 20, 2026

Day 115: 3/20/26 - Harry Potter Chapter 11 Reading (Day 2)

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 finish reading chapter 11 and you will complete your next Literature Circle job.

Do Now:

  • Write down your homework
  • Open your notebook to page 68
Homework:
  • Finish Reading Chapter 11 & Complete your Lit Circle Job 


Activity #1
Read Chapter 11

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 else happened?
    • 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? 
      • Pick an important character
    • 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 were 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 steals the ingredients to make the Polyjuice Potion?
  • Why do you think that person really wants to make the potion more than the others?
  • Who starts the dueling club?
  • Who does Harry get paired with at the dueling club?
  • Draco uses a spell on Harry at the dueling club. What did the spell do?
  • What is a Parselmouth?
  • If you were Ron or Hermione how would you react to Harry being a Parselmouth?
  • Who do the students at Hogwarts believe is the Heir of Slytherin?
  • Who does Harry find Petrified?
  • Harry is misjudged in this chapter. Have you ever been misjudged like Harry? What was it over, and how did it turn out?