Reading Program 2018 - Some important things to note

In Room 6 our reading program is largely based around personal reading books that the students are choosing to read. We then work with students to think deeply about their books, to learn from them, and to use what they are reading to help them with their writing and in other areas of their learning. Because students are given a lot of independence and choice there are also these firm expectations:

-Students will always be required to have a novel or non-fiction text they're reading, they are expected to read every day at school and at home. 

-They are expected to complete books regularly and to record everything they read in a reading logbook (already set up in their reading book). 

-Once they've completed a book a student will be expected to regularly write a 'Book Letter' (see ideas below) 

- Students are also expected to complete a 'Book Talk' to the class, sharing from a book they've recently enjoyed, promoting it for others to read and enjoy.

We will be working closely with students to develop their reading habits and their ability to develop this level of thinking about books. We'll also be supporting students to find texts that they enjoy and that are at the appropriate reading level for them.

Ideas for Book Letters – Some paragraph starters

A book letter is expected to be between one and two pages. It should be written clearly in paragraphs, with a new paragraph for each of the ideas you choose from the list of ideas below.

·      I was surprised when/angry about/satisfied with/moved by…

·      I liked the way the author…

·      I noticed how the author…

·      I don’t understand/didn’t like how the author…

·      If I were the author I would have…

·      I’d compare this author to…

·      This book reminded me of…

·      The main character…

·      The character development…

·      The structure of this book…

·      The climax of the plot…

·      The resolution of the main character’s problem…

·      The genre of this book…

·      I’d say some the most important them/message in this book is…

·      I wish that…

·      I didn’t agree…

·      I rate this book __ out of ten,  because…

ALWAYS INCLUDE:

 

àI was struck by/interested by/convinced by/particularly enjoyed this passage… because…

àHow do the themes and messages in this book connect to our school values and what we have learned in RE?

Welcome to Room 6 2018

Hi everyone and welcome to Room 6 for 2018. As with every new year 2018 comes with a huge number of opportunities and challenges, I really look forward to working with you all - learning, playing, singing, laughing, sharing, relaxing, exploring, creating, growing, contributing and working hard! Below are some things coming up and some expectations within Room 6.

Class culture

Together over the first days and weeks of school we’ll be completing some activities and discussions that will help us develop our expectations. Once we have all agreed to these expectations these will be shared with parents.

Blog

All classes at St Gerards have a blog that is linked from the school website. This will be updated weekly (usually by Monday) with homework tasks, notices and upcoming events, plus some examples of student work, activities, learning and achievements.

Self management and Homework expectation

Now that students are in Year 7-8 we expect them to be becoming increasingly self-motivated, well organized, and disciplined. Room 6 is run using a ‘Must Dos’ and ‘Can Dos’ system, where every two weeks we organize work tasks for the next two week period. Students will then attend small group ‘workshops’ relevant to their learning, and will be expected to complete all their relevant tasks on time. Homework is basically a time to ensure that all ‘Must Dos’ are completed to a high standard. This system will be new to Year 7 students and we will be working hard (particularly throughout Term 1) to ensure students understand the expectation, are developing the necessary personal skills to work in this way, and to ensure that students feel well supported. Students will be given a diary to help with their personal organization and will be expected to use this each week  to plan.

Library Cards

We will regularly visit the public library and students will be expected to use this great public resource to extend their reading and to help them in any inquiry work they’re doing. Everyone will need to have their own library card, and I will notify when this needs to be at school. If you don’t have a library card please organize this immediately as we will be visiting the library on Thurs Feb 8th.

Contact

Feel free to contact me. Contact by email is best ollieyeoman@stgerards.school.nz

Dates coming up:

Technology: Begins at the Terrace this Friday Feb 2nd and will be happening every second Friday for Year 7-8s. We will continue to attend tech on the odd weeks throughout Term 1 (Week 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11). Please bring covered shoes and long hair tied back.

Waitangi Day: Observed on Tuesday Feb 6^th. A holiday already!

Swimming & Swimming sports: Please bring togs, towel and goggles. We will be walking to the pool for these sessions.

Week 1 = Thurs Feb 1^st, 2:00-2:30pm

Week 2 = Wed Feb 7^th, 1:30-2:00pm

Week 3 = Thurs Feb 15^th, 11:00-11:30am

Week 4 = Tues Feb 20^th, 11:00-11:30am. AND Wed Feb 21^st, 11:00-11:30am.

School swimming sports are also in week 4 on Thurs Feb 22, 9:00-12noon.

Wednesday Masses: Please feel welcome to join us every second Wed 9am in the church, beginning Wed 14^th Feb with Ash Wednesday.

School mass: Will be confirmed asap

Public Library Visit: Thurs 8^th Feb. Please organize a library card before then if you don’t have one already. Make sure you bring your library card to school on this day! Everyone is expected to have books to read!

School camp: Rakiura Stewart Island Adventure and Conservation Camp!! Sunday 11^th March until Fri 16^th March. More info will be coming home very soon.

Have a great week!

Kia ora!

Mr Yeoman