Literature Circles

A note to parents about the newest section of the literature circles for the Dominican Reading Group.  Each group will consist of 6 students.  The following novels will be read over the next 2-3 weeks, Park's Quest, The Watsons Go To Birmingham, and Snow Treasure.  All 3 novels encompass political or social aspects in our nations history.  These historical fiction novels are all highly regarded literary works.

The purpose of breaking the class into groups is to focus on each novel in depth.  Student centered inquiry and feedback will be important components of each literature circle.  Each student will also have an assigned role and is responsible for describing their work and information to their fellow students.  These reading centers allow the students increased access to critical thinking questioning and can have organized, quality discussions with their groups.  The goal is for deeper understanding and increased attention to detail to authors purpose, enhance extended responses via journal writing and individual attention to each student on their oral reading skills.

3rd Quarter Honor Roll

Congratulations to my 10 homeroom students in 7th Grade who made the Honor Roll for the 3rd Quarter!!

From Left to Right, Front Row: Paul Hayes, Bryan Barocio, Niuyen Garcia and Jonathan Garcia.  Back Row: Melissa Hernandez, Salma Gutierrez, Anny Solano, Nia Curiel, Ashley Aguilar and Brianna Alvarez.

Here is the entire class being silly and enjoying a moment of fun celebrating their hard work for the 3rd Quarter :)

Final Reading Projects

On certain occasions, I allow the students to make decisions in the classroom.  When we finished the book, The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler before break, I gave the students a chance to pick their own final project for the novel.  Allowing students to have a role in the work they do not only holds them accountable for their decision, but lets them make a choice on what type of work will be best for them personally and uses their best skill set.

The class had multiple options for a final project.  The book dealt often with art from the Renaissance period.  One choice was for students to create a sculpture that was mentioned in the book.  The students could also create any piece of art they felt showed an aspect of the novel.  Some students chose to write an alternative ending to the novel.  A few students chose to draw a detailed map of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Below, the entire class show off their work.

 

Below, Arianna LaSalle shows off her sculpture of the angel created by Michelangelo in the novel.  She did a fantastic job creating this sculpture!!

 

Javielys Montanez presented her Book of Art to the class with personal drawings of art discussed in the novel.

Clarissa Galan, George Rendon and Rafael Martinez display their alternative endings to the novel.

Marangeliesse Mongoy, Eliana Acosta and Alonzo Marshall show their personally created accurate architecture maps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

From Left to Right, Javier Pena, Leslie Arias, Vivianna Mendoza, Nathan Gomez, Arianna LaSalle and Wilfredo Colon show their excitement by displaying their recreated scenes from the novel.

Finally, Erick Escalante shows off his piece of art work, that he also built a frame for, recreating a scene from the novel.

 

Overall, a job well done by the Dominican Reading Group!!

Political Cartoons

The 8th Grade class recently completed their unit on The Progressive Era.  This was one of my concentrations during college and is an era of history that I truly enjoy and love teaching.  During this era, there were many new political parties and ideals that came to be.  The Populists were a party in search of help for farmers.  Socialists were hoping for jobs for everyone.  The Radical Republicans just wanted everyone to stay out of their way and let their businesses prosper.  I showed the class images of cartoons from this period to give an example of not only the creativeness of the artists, but to also understand some sarcasm as well as satire. 

Here is the entire set of cartoons displayed outside the classroom.  A few of these I personally believe could be published as the accuracy was spot on and the artistic features were excellent.

The Populist Party demanding an 8 hour work day.

The Radical Republicans wanting "Big Oil" to succeed and be left alone.

The Socialists asking for the government to enforce the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

 

Another successful project completed by the 8th Grade in Social Studies.  The students now have a sense of appreciation and a deeper, stronger understanding of the different groups that polarized this era in history.

Spring Break!!

No Homework for Spring Break 2011!!! 

All Social Studies classes were able to finish their units and the Dominican Reading group finished their novel.  Lets hope the Easter Bunny brings you an assortment of wonderful treats.  Enjoy the time off, I'll see you at the Cubs games and I hope everyone comes back ready to finish the year strong!!

Mr. Parsons

Mosaic Crosses

The 7th Grade class created mosaic crosses to celebrate Lent.  They cut small pieces of tissue paper to represent specific colors for Lent.  These pieces, when held up to light look similar to stained glass.  Each student was very creative in undertaking this project.  Most used square tiles while some used different shapes to create their work.  Some students used multiple layers to give the piece more texture.  They worked very hard on this project and were very meticulous in placing each piece on their crosses.

 

  

Here is the final project displayed in my classroom window.  The colors look wonderful and the compliments from students and staff has been tremendous!

A Family History

The 5th Grade class created wonderful posters celebrating their family histories.  Many students parents and/or grandparents hail from other countries.  The students were to ask a specific set of questions to their family members to gather and research some basic information.  They were to find out where their family was located in another country as well as their parents or grandparents city of origin. 

The students then added additional components such as a vintage family photo as well as maps and flags of the home countries.  The writing component included adding information about what type of work their parents or grandparents did in their earlier years.  Some students added details about where their grandparents were married.  I was impressed with the photography and how the students were able to add such creative and wonderful artistic details to their posters.  Project after project I continue to be amazed at the quality of work and the attention to detail the students take in creating their works of art!!