Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Nightly Reading - Grade 8 & 9

All students at Summerside Intermediate are expected to read on a nightly basis.

Mrs.Boyd(our librarian) has met with all language arts classes to discuss the important of nightly reading.

Students have calculated their current reading rate and all students have set a reading goal for first term.  

Students should be reading a minimum of 2 hours per week at home. Mrs.Boyd and I will be tracking their reading and also conferencing with students. Students will create a "reading ladder" at the end of each term. 

Please support and encourage your son or daughter with their nightly reading. Ask questions about their reading! Ask what their reading rate is. Ask what their reading goal is for this term.


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Book Talks - Grade 9

Grade 9 students have chosen a date to present their book talk presentations. These talks will be presented September 28th thru November 16th.  Below is the assignment details and rubric. I have also included the schedule for both classes.




Book Talk Assignment Guidelines

For this assignment you will give an oral presentation about the book you have been reading to the class. Please bring the book or a printed picture of the book.

Criteria:

1. Prepare notes for your speech. Your notes will count as 10 points of your total book talk grade.

2. Begin your book talk with an introduction. Introduce the book you read with an interesting lead or hook that get’s the readers attention. Be sure to identify the author(you may want to tell a little about the author) and title of the book. Also, why you chose the book.

3. Tell about the different literary elements in your book, including:

____ Setting: Briefly describe the time period and place where the story takes place.

____ Protagonist: Describe the main character and explain his/her conflict.

____ Plot: Briefly summarize the main events of the book. Don’t try to tell everything, but give the listener a good idea of the events of the plot.


4. Share a selection. Read a short passage from the book that you like. This could be descriptive writing, suspenseful part, a scary part...or something that you think the author has done well. Read this selection out loud from the book. Be sure to explain what is happening in the book at the point you are reading.

5. End with a recommendation/critique. Explain whether or not you would recommend this book to your classmates. Which audience would enjoy it most? Be sure to give a strong supporting reason to your opinion.

Remember to practice your book talk aloud before the due date!!!!

Book Talk Date: ___________________

Book Talk Rubric

SCORE
TRAITS
    □   4 (Exceeding)
    □   3 (Meeting)
    □   2 (Approaching)
    □   1 (Below)
       Total ______
Preparation for Presentation:
   □   Book choice is appropriate.
   □   Presentation is appropriately rehearsed.
   □   Presentation is smooth and well organized.


    □   10 (Exceeding)
    □   9, 8, 7 (Meeting)
    □   6,5,4 (Approaching)
    □   3,2,1 (Below )    


               Total ______
Presentation Content:
    □   Reason why presenter chose to share this book explained.
    □   Brief plot summary.
    □   Enthusiastic and knowledgeable about book.
    □   Presenter careful not to reveal too much about the ending of the book.
     □   10 (Exceeding)
     □   9, 8, 7 (Meeting)
     □   6,5,4 (Approaching)
     □   3,2,1 (Below)
Total ______
Delivery:
   □   Eye contact appropriate
   □   Movement of body, gestures appropriate
   □   Volume, rate of speech, tone appropriate

   □   4 (Exceeding)
   □   3 (Meeting)
   □   2 (Approaching)
   □   1 (Below)
Total ______
Time Limit:
   □   Within 2 minutes
   □   Almost 2 minutes
   □   Too short or too long
   □   4 (Exceeding)
   □   3 (Meeting)
   □   2 (Approaching)
   □   1 (Below)
Total ______
Notes:
   □   Completed
   □   Not completed
Total:


Book Talk Schedule - 9A

October 2 - Sarah H
October 9 - Ethan B, Cailey W
October 14 - Jared M, Devin M
October 16 - Lauryn M, Tiffany R
October 20 - Matthew C
October 21 - Ainsley M
October 27 - Maggie C, Kathleen M
October 28 - Rebecca P
November 3 - Shoshanna B
November 16 - Jade G, Kayla G


Book Talk Schedule - 9B
October 15 - Paige D, Jenna L
October 16 - Megan M
October 26 - Ben R, Logan R
October 28 - Hailey S, Hanna D
October 29 - Brittany W, Pippin L
November 3 - Julie C
November 5 - Harper A, Sam M
November 9 - Emily L, Chelsie D
November 10 - Kaylee D, Julia J
November 12 - Lauren A, Cameron W
November 13 - Carter C, Nathan R
November 16 - Mitchell G

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Welcome Back!



 Students in my Language Arts classes have received a parent/guardian letter. Please read, sign and return as soon as possible. Also, you may include your email address if you would like to be contacted via email.

My contact information can be found on the letter and below. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns or questions throughout the year.

I'm looking forward to a fantastic year!

Shellilee Ballum
Phone: 902-888-8470 extension 112
Email: sxballum@edu.pe.ca