Language Arts

I am super excited to learn about you all today as you give your introductions.  Don't forget to save your work so you can add it to your web site when those are up and running.

Please don't forget to sign up for Remind101.  Also, please register for Collaborize Classroom.  You will need to erase my email address and replace it with your gmail address and your own password.  We will begin using it regularly next week.

Language Arts

You will have most of the period today to work on your introduction.  We will share these tomorrow. Have fun.  Let me know if you have any questions.  The QR code challenge is still on until one group in each class gets all of the answers.  I will be giving clues to some of the questions, so pay attention.  

Also, don't forget, if you haven't already done so, fill out the student information sheet, the reading survey, and the writing survey.  Also, be sure to get your parents to fill out the parent survey.  I learn a lot about each of you from these surveys, which in turn help me design my curriculum.

History

Today we will have a silent debate over the importance of studying history.  Afterward, you will write a paragraph stating your own opinion.  The paragraph will be due Friday.

Also, don't forget, if you haven't already done so, fill out the student information sheet, the reading survey, and the writing survey.  Also, be sure to get your parents to fill out the parent survey.  I learn a lot about each of you from these surveys, which in turn help me design my curriculum.

Yearbook

Tomorrow we will have a crash course in photography today in preparation for our first photo assignment.  If you have a camera that you would like to use, be sure to bring it in tomorrow.  I have four cameras that we will get up and working today.  We will also continue to work on theme, and you will begin your partner spread.

Take a look here at my first photography tutorial.  Watch the powerpoint and answer questions next to it.  You may go back and change your answers.

HW:  Spreads will be due Wed. 9/4

Language Arts and History:

Today we are doing a QR code scavenger hunt.  If you haven't already, be sure to download and save and/or print the Student Handbook so that you can answer the questions and win the prize.

Language Arts Homework:
Continue working on your introductions.  We will watch the presentations on Friday.

Language Arts

Today you will take a tour of my website.  I will talk more about myself and Language Arts in general.  Finally, you will begin work on your personal introduction.  You can create a 2-3 minute podcast, create a comic strip, create a personal timeline, create a short story about yourself, create a magazine spread about your life, create a powerpoint presentation using Google Presentation, create an iMovie, or give a speech.  Most importantly, take risks and have fun.

US History

Could you pass the citizenship quiz?  Today we will take it and you will see.  Additionally, you will write a personal letter to me.  For homework, be sure to fill out the  student information guide and the Doctopus survey that corresponds with you period.  Also, make sure you parents complete their Parent Survey.  Additionally, you will write a letter to me due tomorrow.

U.S. History

Language Arts:

Welcome back!!!  I am so excited to get started with you this year.

Today we will spend our time together getting to know each other.  You'll have a chance to write down your thoughts, and walk around the classroom.  Additionally, we will go over the beginning of the year letter.  If you are in Laptop, you can read this letter.  If you are in my 6th period class, read this one.  You can also read the letter about my philosophy on my reading library.

For homework, you can start working on the beg. of the year surveys.  There is a student information guide, a reading survey, and a writing survey.  Don't forget to have your parent fill out the Parent survey.

Please also fill out the short form here according to your period with me.  Please use your gmail account:

Period 1
Period 3
Period 6

U.S. History

Welcome back!!!  I am so excited to get started with you this year.

Today we will spend our time together getting to know each other.  You'll have a chance to write down your thoughts, and walk around the classroom.  Additionally, we will go over the beginning of the year letter.

For homework, you can start working on the beg. of the year surveys.  You will also start working on your digital introduction.  There is a student information guide,  a short grading rubric form I need to you fill out.  If you need a hard copy.  Please let me know.
Don't forget to have your parent fill out the parent information sheet.

Fill out the short form here according to your period with me.  Please use your gmail account:

Period 7
Period 8

Yearbook

We will go over the class syllabus.  Please bring in magazines and a small photo to put on your press pass.  Fill out the Student Information Guide if you are not doing it for another class.

Dear 8th Graders,

 My name is Kathy Nichols and I will be your teacher this year for Language Arts, US History, or Yearbook.  I haven’t met most of you yet, but every day this summer I’ve thought about you.

I haven’t thought about you individually, because I don’t know who many of you are, but I’ve thought about you collectively.  I’ve thought about the amazing group of 8th graders that will cross the threshold of my classroom soon.

 * I’ve thought about challenging you.
 * I’ve thought about embracing your differences.
 * I’ve thought about your strengths.
 * I’ve thought about your weaknesses.

 I have a secret that I can’t keep any longer.

You. Are. All. Geniuses.

 Sounds crazy, huh?  I know deep within you, your inner genius is ready to come out!  I’ve worked with geniuses for twenty years now, and let me tell you something – it’s amazing. This year won’t be different.
So, before you walk through my door on the first day of school, think about YOUR genius. What are you an expert at? What do you enjoy? What can I learn from YOU? How are YOU going to change the world? I can’t wait to share my genius with you and for you to share your genius with all the other geniuses in the room: your classmates!

 Fondly,
Ms. Nichols