Seventh Grade Writing Test Tips

Though this is my eighth year of teaching, it is my first year teaching seventh grade English. Overall the transition has been smooth (especially thanks to my awesome partner teacher), but one thing struck fear into my heart as soon as I heard I would be teaching seventh grade: the State Writing Test (cue scary music).

If you aren't aware, all seventh graders in California take a writing test each March. There are four possible genres (Narrative, Response to Literature, Persuasion, and Summary). The kids have as long as they need on that day to write a response, and these scores count for our API/AYP. At my school there are two seventh grade English teachers, so I feel pressure for my kids to do well.

I wanted to share some strategies that I think have been helpful this year (though I guess I won't know for sure until I get their scores), and also ask any other seventh grade teachers how you prepare. What are you best tips/lessons?

Here are ours:

*Obviously the kids need to do a lot of writing. For each genre, we've done a process piece, where they follow a format, look at examples, and write their own. They can get help from me or each other, we do peer editing, and a final draft that they type. Then, immediately after the first piece, we do an in-class writing of the same genre, to simulate the test. On this one, they can't get much help (I will occasionally answer a question, but no notes or asking each other). We score this on a four-point scale, just as the state does. We've also done a few extra pieces throughout the year (one extra response to lit and one extra narrative). We also gave a narrative prompt as an extra credit assignment over Christmas Break. Not a ton of kids did it, but the ones who did got some extra practice.

*We've created handouts that have the "formula" for each genre, that the kids keep in their notebooks. Of course, not all writing follows a formula, but since they're first learning I've found this to be helpful.

*We have also gone through the state rubric with them. The timed-writings we've done have all been former test questions that the state has released. After they write, we show them examples of a four, three, and two point essay for the prompt. (We also show them the one pointers, just to amuse them. They are pretty terrible.) They pair-share and discuss what each person did well, and what they got marked down for. This has helped them identify what makes a good essay/story. Then, they trade papers and grade each other's with a more detailed rubric that we've created. For homework, they can take it home and fix their essays to get a three or a four.

*Next week we are going to put the kids in groups and have them make posters. Each group will have a genre to make a "how-to" poster about. They will then present the posters as a reminder for each genre.

*The last week before we are going to have them rate themselves on each genre. Then they will have to write a essay/story for the genre they rank themselves the lowest on. Because we're evil like that. We will provide support and mini-lessons to the kids in each group.

*The day before the test we are doing a sorting activity. We are going to cut up versions of our formula handouts for each genre. With a partner, they are going to put them in order and talk about anything they don't remember. This gives them a last-minute review, that is hopefully low-stress and at least a little fun.

After that, we just hope and pray that it's not a response to literature prompt! I would love to see persuasion, but obviously there's no way of knowing what we'll get.

So, other seventh grade teachers, I'd love to hear your advice. What's worked well for you in the past?

Foreshadowing

Odyssey Test Answers

I stopped writing in this blog, but then I went back and read parts of the teacher things...and I decided I want to start writing in this one again. Though, I am starting three weeks before the end of the year. Oh well!

Here's a taste of what kinds of ridiculous and awesome things my kids write:

The question reads: Odysseus gets in a lot of trouble because he is always shooting off his mouth. If you were one of his crew how would you persuade him that this isn't wise? Remember, he's your boss and you can't disrespect him.

 

"I would say chief you're nice but don't you think you're being a little mean or disrespectful? Just a little bit, not a lot. Just be a little bit more sweeter or nicer."

 

"To persuade him I would say Captain Odysseus stop talking like that or no one will cooperate with you. If you're nice to use we will follow your directions. So if you tell us to mop the deck we will do it."

 

"My leader, Odyssues, sir, I'm not questioning your decision. With your greatness and looks sir. I'm just saying sir we need to make better decisions. Again I'm just saying just think about it. Also, maybe some of us crew members could make decisions."

 

"I would say that the enemies will know where you live and take revenge on your home and your dearly beloved Penelope who awaits for you in your dwelling."

 

This is my favorite one: "I would tell Odysseus to be quiet because you can be a mystery. People will always think who was the guy who got away from the cyclops? If you stay quiet you can be the most famous man in the world. I would also say every girl in Ithaca will love you after you tell them secretly. Your wife would be so happy, she could always count on your to protect her." 

That girl knows how to male ego works. Damn!

Summer Projects

During the summer, I like to try to get a lot done...I have more time and energy than the rest of the year. I decided to post my to-do list now and then check back in September to see how I did. Without further ado...

*Go to all medical appointments: eye doctor, dentist, and annual checkup

*Clean out linen closet

*Clean out hall storage closet

*Clean out under my bed

*Clean out my trunk

*Organize my home file cabinet

*Go on at least four hikes

*Go kayaking four times

*Try surfing again

*Read at least 8 new books

*Lose ten pounds

*Organize the posters in my classroom

*Get all classroom filing done(!)

*Don't get sunburned(!)

*Get credit cards paid off in August paycheck

Oh yeah, this blog.

Raspberries, though delicious, must be eaten within about 15 seconds of coming home from the grocery store, otherwise they all mold. So even when they're on sale, I have to think of how many I can eat in the same day.

Why Walk?

On Saturday, May 8th I will be participating in the Revlon Run/Walk for women's cancers in memory of a fellow Carnegie teacher who passed away this school year. I am joining other teachers, staff, students, and their families in a team in order to fight women's cancers. I am also participating as a role-model to my students, to show that it's important to do something about causes that are important to you.

If you'd like to donate, here is my fundraising site: https://www.revlonrunwalk.com/la/secure/MyWebPage.cfm?pID=538358

Thanks friends.

So, you know how I'm a teacher?

In the last month, two students have thrown up in my classroom. Both of these boys threw up on their desks. Like, didn't even make a move to run out of the room or to a trash can. Just barfed on their notebooks. Seriously?!?!

On the Ancient Israel test, they had to list five of the ten commandments. One boy wrote all of his as excalamations. As in, "You shall not commit adultery!" and "You shall not have other gods before me!" It's like the ten commandments are on the back of a DVD cover, describing a wacky adventure!

I was talking the other day and said, "Okay my children..." and a boy said, "Yes, my lady?" I told him not to call me that because it was creepy. He's called me that for the last three days straight.

30 Day Shred

Has anyone tried this DVD? I have been reading a lot of blogs where people are doing it, but I want an opinion from someone I know, if possible. I am thinking about doing it sometime soon-I would love to be in better shape, and I like that it has three levels, so you can work your way up to make it more challenging.

One of the reasons I am thinking of doing this is because my gym membership is on hold until May. I did this for financial reasons, and since my prime gym months are during the summer-I really wasn't using it at all over the last few months. I occasionally go on walks or bike rides on the beach path, but I know this would be a more challenging workout and would work on muscle, which is what I am missing.

Anyone want to do this with me? Accountability?

Said with enthusiasm, to my 6th graders today,

"Alliteration is my favorite literary device!"

What do you remember from 6th grade?

Every once in a while I do an activity at school that I think the kids might actually remember. The things I remember from 6th grade include dissecting owl pellets, an affirmation activity where we all wrote nice things about each other, writing protest letters to the school district, and current event discussions (during one of which I stood up and called a classmate a "male chauvinist pig!"). There are a few other details, but that's about it. The rest blurs together.

As a teacher, I know that my kids won't remember every lesson I teach. Hopefully the things they learn build on each other, and while they don't remember the lesson, they remember things that I taught them. But, it's nice every once in a while to know that I did something special, that at least a few of them will remember.

Today, I think, was one of those days. My kids did How-To Speeches in English. The lesson was public speaking and writing directions. They had to make a poster and give their speeches today. Highlights included a boy who did how to make a paper airplane. He brought in paper for everyone, we all made planes, and then I had them line up outside to see who could throw theirs the farthest. Another boy did how to make sugar cookies and brought in homemade cookies for everyone. Along the same lines, a girl did how to make cupcakes and brought in cupcakes. A boy from first period did how to clean your room, and his poster included pictures of him cleaning his bedroom, along with a before and after photo (I'm thinking his mom suggested the topic). One girl did how to make lemonade and printed recipe cards for everyone. I also learned how to pitch a baseball, how to straighten my hair, how to shoot a free throw, how to draw a dog, how to make paper stars, how to cure vomiting, and how to do a rear naked choke hold (the boy demonstrated on another student. Neither was naked, just to clarify).

The kids overall did a great job and put a lot of effort into it. Eve the really nervous ones said they liked the assignment, and I was proud of them. I told them that it really made me happy to see the effort they put into the assignment. Definitely a new staple of being in Ms. Fletcher's English class. :)

Cartoons make the best musicals.

Every year during my Israel unit I show The Prince of Egypt to my history classes. And every year I forget how much I love this movie. I think I may have blogged about this before, but it's usually the part where they're crossing the Red Sea that gets me. This year though, it's an earlier part in the movie where they sing this song:

"How can you see what your life is worth
or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man,
you must look at your life through Heaven's eyes."

I don't know why this hit me so strongly...but it did. There are lots of things I think of as important in life. And I spend a lot of time thinking about the little things. And I know I still will. But for a second I thought about the things in my life that matter. It matters that I am the kind of teacher who cares about my students. It matters that I love people, and show that I love them. It matters that I am a good friend, sister, daughter. And it's so hard to keep those things in mind when I am distracted by the little things. But for a minute, while watching a cartoon, I looked at my life through Heaven's eyes.

You Say You Want a Resolution...

In 2010 I will....

...stop cursing. It's not like I go crazy, but like I tell my students, there are better ways to express yourself.
...shampoo my makeup brushes once a month. I am terrible about this, and it's not that difficult. Once a month is probably not ideal, but it's a start.
...be more positive about relationships. I wrote down affirmations for when I get in my negative mood about it, and I will not harbor negative thoughts.
...start my house down payment fund.
...have 100 no drive days, meaning I will walk, carpool, or ride my bike rather than use my car. It's green, it saves money on gas, and it makes me exercise.
...complete my secondary credential in English.

All about me...

I had my students do an activity where they wrote eight sentences on any topic they wanted and then they traded with a neighbor and marked them as either facts or opinions. Some of them were stuck and so I said they should write about me (because I'm vain.) Here are some of my favorites:

"Ms. Fletcher is serious about classwork."

"She also is strict when people are talking."

"Ms. Fletcher is a Dodger fan. Also she does not like the Angles." (That's how he spelled it.)
"She also had nice blonde hair."
"She is better than all my other teachers."
She is the best teacher ever."
"Ms. Fletcher is the fastest typist in our school."
"Ms. Fletcher's class is very very FUN!"
"Ms. Fletcher cares for everyone in the class."
"We are not allowed to eat in class."

It's beginning to look a lot like memories...

I love decorating my Christmas tree because I have been collecting ornaments from various places I've traveled, and so decorating the tree makes me think of trips I have taken and people I love. For example...

My cherry blossom reminds me of DC and visiting Melanie and Tasha.
My Big Ben reminds me of my trip to London with Shelley.
My Eiffel Tower reminds me of my trip to France with my Aunt Katy.
My Shaker Village ornament reminds me of my trips to Kentucky with Bethany. (and of the Godshalls, though I have not visited them there.)
My Dodgers ornament reminds me of Becca and Justin, my fellow Dodger fans.
My Jamaica ornament reminds me of my fabulous trip in August with Jessica and Elizabeth.

So, decorating my tree last night was great fun, not only because I have a lovely tree in my living room, but because of the sentimental value of my ornaments. They are my favorite travel souvenir. And, if anyone has an ornament that goes with Italy, tell me where to get it (I am totally willing to cheat and buy it after the fact so I can think of my trip to Florence and Rome with Rebecca).

Changing the stigma...

Tonight I ordered Christmas cards with pictures on them for the first time. I always want to order these kind, because they are the kinds of cards I like to receive the most, but I've always felt weird ordering them as a single person. But tonight I decided that you don't have to be in a couple or a family to send out pictures on your Christmas card. I chose four pictures-two from Jamaica, one of some friends and me at Easter brunch, and one of Erin and me at a Dodger game. The hard part was deciding what the typed message should say. Here are some of the ideas Kerri and I came up with:

"Merry Christmas Suckas! Still single!"

"I care too much. Bitches be crazy!" (That's from Parks and Rec)

"I'd like a man in next year's card. Know anybody to set me up with?"

I eventually decided on something much more boring, but also much more appropriate. So my single friends, you too should make a photo Christmas card if you want to! And, prepare to receive one from me. :)

This is mostly for Erin...

From one of my student's essay about Benjamin Franklin, who she says invented the library:

"Libraries are probably the most resourceful thing on Earth. Without this invention, I could not be able to type this essay! I probably would not know who Benjamin Franklin is! Most of you will say, "Well I can check on the internet." Guess what! They got their information from libraries! Libraries are the best invention on the planet!"

He's got a ticket to ride

The Beatles cross generational lines and cultural boundaries. How do I know?

Today I put on The Beatles 1 Album and looked over to see an eleven-year-old Mexican boy in the year 2009 singing all the words to Ticket to Ride.

I love it.

Why I Like Carson

So, a few weeks back my kids turned in essays for the citywide Why I Like Carson essay contest...and two of them placed! One kid won third place and the other won first prize! YES! My principal came in this morning to tell me and congratulate the kids and me. Very fun! It made me feel successful as a teacher and it's fun to see something positive come through for the kids.

New Personal Finance Blog

Hello Blog Readers!

I have decided to start another blog-a personal finance blog, called Homeowner by 30. So, for those of you interested in a blog devoted to living frugally, saving, and getting out of debt, check it out. For those of you who wish I'd shut up about money, you're in luck! The Write Stuff will now be devoted to random musings, teaching thoughts, movie reviews of films of the 1970's...you know the drill.

Or, if you can't get enough of me, feel free to read and subscribe to both! :)

Love,
Jess

Anyone know anything about Swagbucks?

This looks pretty legit and I've seen some other bloggers write about it. Or click on the banner and see what you think. I have three Swag Bucks so far, but it looks like you earn them by using their search engine. I am a big internet searcher, so this has some potential. Bloggers have mostly talked about getting amazon gift cards, but you can also get DVDs and all sorts of other things. Hmm....