APW Elementary

APW Elementary
Rebel Pride Starts Inside

Friday, January 30, 2026

Day 87: 1/30/26 - The Sorting Ceremony & Intro to Hogwarts

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 you will be sorted into your Hogwarts houses, and we will learn about literature circles.
Do Now:
  • Empty out your ELA Folder
  • Write down your independent work
  • Pick up a copy of the Title page for Unit 3, and a glue stick
Independent Work:
  • Reread Literature Circle: Overview of Roles


To do List:

  • Glue in title page and make tab
  • Glue in Lit Circle Reading Assignments Page
  • Glue in Overview of Roles (2 Pages)
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.
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
      • Then you finish Lit Circle job independently
    • Day 2 - Lit Circle Discussion & Competition Day
      • Lit Circle Job Check (Score 1 - 4)
      • Engage your House in a discussion about your job to prepare for the different challenges
      • Participate in Duels:
        • The 45 Second Summary Challenge
        • The Best Question Challenge
  • Review the Overview of Roles For Lit Circle Jobs
  • Pass out books
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 and events 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 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. 

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Day 86: 1/29/26 - Debate Circles

Homeroom:

          Good Morning. Please 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
2 Hour Delay Schedule
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 - 2:03        Block 2
2:06 - 2:41        Block 3
2:44 - 2:57       W.I.N.
3:00 -3:25        Specials
3:25 - 3:35       Dismissal

E.L.A. Learning Target:

Today you will present your persuasive essay to a small group in something called a debate circle.             

Do Now:

  • Open your persuasive Essay
  • Share your Essay with me. You will have to use my email:
  • rtrumble2@apwcsd.org
Homework:
  • Make sure your essay has been shared with me

Activity #1
Debate Circles

Start by introducing your speech. Begin by saying:
Today I want to speak to you about _______________________ . The title of my speech is ____________________ .

Then give your speech to the small group. 

At the end the people in your group should respond with questions, and/or comments. This is a debate. A debate is an argument. Remember you are arguing for what you want, think, or believe. Audience, it is your job to argue, and ask questions as if you were the opposing side.



    Have a great day!

    Wednesday, January 28, 2026

    Day 85: 1/28/26 - Editing & Revising (With a Partner)

    Homeroom:

    Good Morning. Please 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

    E.L.A. Learning Target:

    Today you will edit & revise your persuasive essay with a partner.
                                   
    Do Now:

    • Write down your independent work
    • Take out your outline
    • Open your computers to the draft of your persuasive essay
    Independent work:
    • Finish editing & revising your persuasive essay


    Activity #1
    Writing a Persuasive Essay


    ***Give your Essay a title***
    8. Editing & Revising
     Editing & Revising - Phase 1
    • Independent - Use the checklist in your notebook
      • Make sure that you have all required parts
      • Make sure you have enough sentences in each part
      • Make sure you have included your sources
    Editing & Revising - Phase 2
    • Partner - Use the checklist in your notebook & repeat the process with a writing partner
    • Repeat the process again with another writing partner
    • Partners job is to help make the paper better

    General areas to Edit & Revise:
    • Check spelling
    • Check Grammar
    • Did you vary your sentence structure? (Short, medium, long)
    • Did you use conjunctions to make compound sentences? (And, but, or)
    • Elaboration - Have you elaborated on all your ideas to be specific about your ideas?
    Intro:
    • Does your introduction have a hook, background info, and a strong specific thesis statement with 2 parts?
    • What transition words did you use?
    • Where can you add transition words?
    • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
    Body Paragraph 1 - 3:
    • Do your body paragraphs clearly state your reasons?
    • Do they have Evidence?
    • Have you elaborated and explained your evidence in detail?
    • Have you included your sources? 
    • Is there a link connecting your evidence to your reason?
    • What transition words did you use?
    • Where can you add transition words?
    • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
    Body Paragraph 4:
    • Did you present the opposing side of the issue?
    • Did you use language like: I know, I understand, I am aware...
    • Have you elaborated and explained the opposing side of the issue in detail?
    • Did you refute or Rebut? 
    • Did you explain in detail why the opposing side of the issue should think like you?
    • What transition words did you use?
    • Where can you add transition words?
    • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
    Conclusion:
    • Does your conclusion include a reflection, Connection, and recommendations?
    • What transition words did you use?
    • Where can you add transition words?
    • Who did you make recommendations too?
    • What did you recommend?
    • Did you include a "bow" on top, or finish with a strong statement?





      Have a great day!

      Tuesday, January 27, 2026

      Day 84: 1/27/26 - Editing & Revising (Independently)

      Homeroom:

      Good Morning. Please 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
      2 Hour Delay Schedule
      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 - 2:03        Block 2
      2:06 - 2:41        Block 3
      2:44 - 2:57       W.I.N.
      3:00 -3:25        Specials
      3:25 - 3:35       Dismissal

      E.L.A. Learning Target:

      Today you will edit & revise your persuasive essay independently.
                                     
      Do Now:

      • Write down your independent work
      • Take out your outline
      • Open your computers to the draft of your persuasive essay
      • Pick up a copy of the editing & revising checklist, and a glue stick
      Independent work:
      • Finish independently editing & revising your persuasive essay


      Activity #1
      Writing a Persuasive Essay



      ***Give your Essay a title***
      Editing & Revising
       Editing & Revising - Phase 1
      • Independent - Use the checklist in your notebook
        • Make sure that you have all required parts
        • Make sure you have enough sentences in each part
        • Make sure you have included your sources
      Editing & Revising - Phase 2
      • Partner - Use the checklist in your notebook & repeat the process with a writing partner
      • Repeat the process again with another writing partner
      • Partners job is to help make the paper better

      General areas to Edit & Revise:
      • Check spelling
      • Check Grammar
      • Did you vary your sentence structure? (Short, medium, long)
      • Did you use conjunctions to make compound sentences? (And, but, or)
      • Elaboration - Have you elaborated on all your ideas to be specific about your ideas?
      Intro:
      • Does your introduction have a hook, background info, and a strong specific thesis statement with 2 parts?
      • What transition words did you use?
      • Where can you add transition words?
      • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
      Body Paragraph 1 - 3:
      • Do your body paragraphs clearly state your reasons?
      • Do they have Evidence?
      • Have you elaborated and explained your evidence in detail?
      • Have you included your sources? 
      • Is there a link connecting your evidence to your reason?
      • What transition words did you use?
      • Where can you add transition words?
      • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
      Body Paragraph 4:
      • Did you present the opposing side of the issue?
      • Did you use language like: I know, I understand, I am aware...
      • Have you elaborated and explained the opposing side of the issue in detail?
      • Did you refute or Rebut? 
      • Did you explain in detail why the opposing side of the issue should think like you?
      • What transition words did you use?
      • Where can you add transition words?
      • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
      Conclusion:
      • Does your conclusion include a reflection, Connection, and recommendations?
      • What transition words did you use?
      • Where can you add transition words?
      • Who did you make recommendations too?
      • What did you recommend?
      • Did you include a "bow" on top, or finish with a strong statement?





        Have a great day!

        Thursday, January 22, 2026

        Day 83: 1/22/26 - Drafting Day #3

           Homeroom:

        Good Morning. Please 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

        E.L.A. Learning Target:

        Today you will use your outline to draft paragraphs 5 and 6 of your persuasive essay.
                                       
        Do Now:

        • Write down your independent work
        • Take out your outline
        • Open your computers to the draft of your persuasive essay
        • Hand in your Grade report (If you did not already do so)
        Independent work:
        • Finish the Persuasive Essay draft 


        Activity #1
        Writing a Persuasive Essay


        7. Drafting
        • USE YOR OUTLINE TO WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. YOU WILL NEED 6 PARAGRAPHS!
        • I WILL MODEL HOW TO GET STARTED!
        • You will complete your draft as a Google Document from your Google Drive.
        • Drafting should take us about 3 days
        Drafting Day #1 - Paragraphs 1 & 2
        Drafting Day #2 - Paragraphs 3 & 4
        Drafting Day #3 - Paragraphs 5 & 6
         

         

          8. Editing & Revising
          Editing & Revising - Phase 1
          • Independent - Use the checklist in your notebook
            • Make sure that you have all required parts
            • Make sure you have enough sentences in each part
            • Make sure you have included your sources
          Editing & Revising - Phase 2
          • Partner - Use the checklist in your notebook & repeat the process with a writing partner
          • Repeat the process again with another writing partner
          • Partners job is to help make the paper better

          General areas to Edit & Revise:
          • Check spelling
          • Check Grammar
          • Did you vary your sentence structure? (Short, medium, long)
          • Did you use conjunctions to make compound sentences? (And, but, or)
          • Elaboration - Have you elaborated on all your ideas to be specific about your ideas?
          Intro:
          • Does your introduction have a hook, background info, and a strong specific thesis statement with 2 parts?
          • What transition words did you use?
          • Where can you add transition words?
          • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
          Body Paragraph 1 - 3:
          • Do your body paragraphs clearly state your reasons?
          • Do they have Evidence?
          • Have you elaborated and explained your evidence in detail?
          • Have you included your sources? 
          • Is there a link connecting your evidence to your reason?
          • What transition words did you use?
          • Where can you add transition words?
          • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
          Body Paragraph 4:
          • Did you present the opposing side of the issue?
          • Did you use language like: I know, I understand, I am aware...
          • Have you elaborated and explained the opposing side of the issue in detail?
          • Did you refute or Rebut? 
          • Did you explain in detail why the opposing side of the issue should think like you?
          • What transition words did you use?
          • Where can you add transition words?
          • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
          Conclusion:
          • Does your conclusion include a reflection, Connection, and recommendations?
          • What transition words did you use?
          • Where can you add transition words?
          • Who did you make recommendations too?
          • What did you recommend?
          • Did you include a "bow" on top, or finish with a strong statement?





            Have a great day!

            Wednesday, January 21, 2026

            Day 82: 1/21/26 - Drafting Day #2

              Homeroom:

            Good Morning. Please 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

            E.L.A. Learning Target:

            Today you will use your outline to draft paragraphs 3 and 4 of your persuasive essay.
                                           
            Do Now:

            • Write down your independent work
            • Take out your outline
            • Open your computers to the draft of your persuasive essay
            • Hand in your signed grade report
            Independent work:
            • Work on the Persuasive Essay draft (Paragraphs 3 & 4)


            Activity #1
            Writing a Persuasive Essay


            6. Outlining

            To Complete the Outline:
            • Be sure to include your sources 
              • According to__________...
              • Research from__________ proves...
              • Data from___________ shows...
              • __________ reports that...


            7. Drafting
            • USE YOR OUTLINE TO WRITE WELL STRUCTURED PARAGRAPHS. YOU WILL NEED 6 PARAGRAPHS!
            • I WILL MODEL HOW TO GET STARTED!
            • You will complete your draft as a Google Document from your Google Drive.
            • Drafting should take us about 3 days
            Drafting Day #1 - Paragraphs 1 & 2
            Drafting Day #2 - Paragraphs 3 & 4
            Drafting Day #3 - Paragraphs 5 & 6
             

             



              8. Editing & Revising
              Editing & Revising - Phase 1
              • Independent - Use the checklist in your notebook
                • Make sure that you have all required parts
                • Make sure you have enough sentences in each part
                • Make sure you have included your sources
              Editing & Revising - Phase 2
              • Partner - Use the checklist in your notebook & repeat the process with a writing partner
              • Repeat the process again with another writing partner
              • Partners job is to help make the paper better

              General areas to Edit & Revise:
              • Check spelling
              • Check Grammar
              • Did you vary your sentence structure? (Short, medium, long)
              • Did you use conjunctions to make compound sentences? (And, but, or)
              • Elaboration - Have you elaborated on all your ideas to be specific about your ideas?
              Intro:
              • Does your introduction have a hook, background info, and a strong specific thesis statement with 2 parts?
              • What transition words did you use?
              • Where can you add transition words?
              • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
              Body Paragraph 1 - 3:
              • Do your body paragraphs clearly state your reasons?
              • Do they have Evidence?
              • Have you elaborated and explained your evidence in detail?
              • Have you included your sources? 
              • Is there a link connecting your evidence to your reason?
              • What transition words did you use?
              • Where can you add transition words?
              • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
              Body Paragraph 4:
              • Did you present the opposing side of the issue?
              • Did you use language like: I know, I understand, I am aware...
              • Have you elaborated and explained the opposing side of the issue in detail?
              • Did you refute or Rebut? 
              • Did you explain in detail why the opposing side of the issue should think like you?
              • What transition words did you use?
              • Where can you add transition words?
              • Did you clarify vocabulary words?
              Conclusion:
              • Does your conclusion include a reflection, Connection, and recommendations?
              • What transition words did you use?
              • Where can you add transition words?
              • Who did you make recommendations too?
              • What did you recommend?
              • Did you include a "bow" on top, or finish with a strong statement?





                Have a great day!