Research-Based Argument Links

Homework

Down With Homework (Against)
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/down-homework


http://www.alfiekohn.org/article/rethinking-homework/


http://www.timeforkids.com/news/too-much-homework-maybe-not/152921



In Defense of Homework (For)
http://www.edutopia.org/defense-homework




Recess

Recess Makes Kids Smarter
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/recess-makes-kids-smarter


http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-middle-schools-have-recess


http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/14/do-kids-need-recess/?_r=0


Electronics


https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/style/2015/06/15/cellphones-school-teaching-tool-distraction/OzHjXyL7VVIXV1AEkeYTiJ/story.html


Schools use smart devices to help make kids smarter
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/12/27/students-use-cellphones-as-part-of-classroom-lessons/1794883/

Summer Reading Survey

https://docs.google.com/a/mymtsd-vt.org/forms/d/1j_uCXKhXu4xBJbeYV6HHD2N5CJzIQKFepxjjnB8ecUE/viewform?c=0&w=1

Marsh/Osman Reading Update

Students have just completed Unit 2:Analyzing Characters. They each read a realistic fiction novel that they were able to discuss with a small group. We covered elements of fiction: character, setting, plot and theme; elements of plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution; and conflict type: character vs. self, character vs. character, character vs. nature, and character vs. society.

We talked a lot about comprehension strategies and the types of thinking readers engage in before, during, and after reading. We then learned about themes in literature. Students were given a culminating reading response letter reflecting on the theme of their novels. These were due on Monday, 11/9. This week we are focusing again on our independent reading goals while learning about figurative language. There will be an assessment next week assessing the reading skills from Unit 2.

Reading Homework

Tuck: Chapters 18&19

Wrinkle: pages 103-114

Dragon: Chapters 18&19

Complete note sheet. Look especially for figurative language.

Reading Homework

Tuck Everlasting: Chapter 10

Dragon: Chapters 10 and 11

Wrinkle: Reread/finish chapter 3

All: Complete written note sheet with summary, vocabulary, questions, and figurative language.

Authors' Night

MES Authors' Night is Thursday, March 26th, from 5-6:30 p.m. Please come in to celebrate the students' hard work in writing!!

Novel Studies

Students have begun a new fantasy novel study. There are three books: Tuck Everlasting, Dragon Cauldron, and Wrinkle in Time. Students will need to do some of their reading and assignments at home each night.