Classroom Journal: 9/15/23
Over the course of the last two weeks we have been busy studying labor strikes, hosting an upper elementary lunch, continuing work on percentages, finishing our first novel, and kick starting our coffee shop!
Our labor strike study started with labor day itself. The students were assigned their first research task. We started with a brief search in our devices and then explored our options at the library. The assignment: Conduct research from 1870-1900 using the following points: Date, Labor Dispute, Place, Company and Leader, Union and Leader, Issue(s), and Outcome. Groups will present their posters Monday!
Mr. Mike has assigned his first essay with a document based question (DBQ). They were given a copy of Roosevelt’s reelection poster:”Reelect Roosevelt—Friend of Labor,” 1936 . How did the poster suggest that gains and improvements might be continued and preserved? The students have completed their hook and thesis and are progressing through the body and conclusion.
We briefly reviewed and discussed the current SAG-AFTRA strike, more specifically to pose the math involved of proposals of SAG-AFTRA and counters of the AMPTP
Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). For example, if the starting salary of a Netflix screen writer is $108,647 per year, and SAG-AFTRA is proposing an 11% increase in year one but AMPTP counters with a 5% increase in year one.. At those rates what would the salary be in 5 years? What is the difference?
Our Algebra 1 work continues as we begin unit 2 in our book, solving equations and combining like variables.
Our first novel, Island of the Blue Dolphin, is complete! Friday’s have taken over as a “flashback” Friday where we take a flashback “test” on the things we have learned. This last Friday was a cumulative exam on Island of the Blue Dolphin comprehension questions and short answers. The students were asked in the beginning of this week to annotate symbols and motifs, themes, and important quotes pertaining to. They used their books filled with mini post-its and notes in the margins to complete their short answer questions. This was an introduction to how we will be dissecting our novels this year, and needless to say they were all very prepared and we collectively reflected on what we might do more or less for their next novel. I am looking forward to seeing many books filled with annotations throughout this year! Furthermore, we will be doing a project with Ms. Beth and Mr. Patrick’s class as they wrap up the same novel this upcoming week..stay tuned!
In addition, each one of your children have chosen their independent reading novel. Some have received them, some will receive them Monday morning. They always have something to read, practice in khan academy, or do in google classroom. I invite you to review our assignments in google classroom for a closer look at what our week looks like as our classroom journal is an overview.
Hosting lunch for the upper elementary/middle school students & Friday (yesterday) a group of 8th graders passed out apples and honey to each classroom and the office for a sweet new school year (Shana Tova Umetuka) !
Have a happy weekend!