Cosier Classroom Content

     This first week back at school has been very productive in Reading/LA.  We continued with the COWS (Computers on Wheels) in the classroom for 40 minutes each day until we finished our science research papers.  The final product contained a title page, a several-page paper, an outline, and a reference page.  Most students were very successful with this paper, which required in-text citations every paragraph.

     In grammar, we began a study of personal pronouns.  Students were asked to memorize subject, object, and possessive pronouns in both the singular and plural forms, and a not-so-pop quiz (students were warned) given on Friday.  

      We also began an interdisciplinary unit with Social Studies called Facing History, which concerns worldwide genocide.  This unit is mandated by the state of Illinois.  To tap background knowledge, we first did a K-W-L, to determine what we Know about genocide, and what we Want to know.  At the end of our study, we will determine what we Learned.

     After reading several picture books focusing on such subjects as the Holocaust and the lost boys of Sudan, seventh graders were asked to find common themes.  Next week, we will form literature circles and will be assigned a novel to read and respond to on a daily basis.

     Although next week is a four-day week, students have a vocabulary test and a book report due.  Have a wonderful weekend!