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SUMMER READING LIST- 100% Optional

..For those who want some suggestions ........
1-Here are the first 5- FROM THE  WE ARE TEACHERS  WEBSITE

. 1-Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

  2. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

  3. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

  4. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

  5. The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

2- From the State of California's recommended reading list for middle school-
 
 
 A photographic depiction of contemporary Mexico City is seen through the eyes of native youths. The collection features 75 black-and-white pictures taken by students from all walks of life. The scenes represent the range of extremes between poverty and wealth that exist in the city. Unknown English-Language Arts/General 1997
 
        
This book shows how microscopes are used to see the tiniest parts of the universe which helps readers understand that the size of any object may be viewed in relation to things both smaller and larger. The acrylic-and-ink artwork includes touches of humor and shows proportions from elephants to atoms. Robert E. Wells
  • Mathematics
  • Science
 1997
Originally titled THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, this book is divided into eight sections covering the top ten problems in science, physical science, astronomy, cosmology, Earth and planetary sciences. biology, medicine, evolution, technology, and computers. Easy-to-read essays are indexed, stand alone, and can be read aloud to students. James S. Trefil Science 1996
Amanda and Leo were born on the same day and were friends until their tenth birthday. A misunderstanding results in the two not speaking to each other. On their eleventh birthday, they plan to celebrate separately, but suddenly they have to relive the day over and over. This contemporary work of fiction focuses on friendship and has enough drama and surprises to keep middle-school readers turning the pages. Wendy Mass English-Language Arts/General 2010
Describes the new research and archaeological discoveries at Jamestown and demonstrates how existing knowledge and historians' views can change. Clearly written and well illustrated, the book shows how previous beliefs about the Jamestown settlement are erroneous. Provides an excellent account of the Native American tribes’ history, relationships before and after the arrival of the colonists, and the process of colonization, including the challenges. Color photographs show interpreters in period costume photographed at Jamestown. Karen Lange History/Social Science 2007
A well-researched book about Thanksgiving Day looks at the 1621 harvest feast from the perspectives of both the English colonists and the Wampanoag people. Photographs of Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum in Massachusetts, help the reader to visualize what life was like in 1621.
  • Catherine O'Neill Grace
  • Margaret M. Bruchac
 History/Social Science 2001
Features 60 new poems about the Middle East in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The author draws on her Palestinian and American heritage to look at both the Middle East through the eyes of an American and the United States through the eyes of a Palestinian. The poems explore universal issues of hope, conflict, war, peace, people, and relations. Naomi Shihab Nye English-Language Arts/Writing 2002
The author describes the 1918 influenza pandemic, from how World War I soldiers spread the disease to recent scientific efforts to understand the virus that took between twenty and forty million lives worldwide. Archival material, clearly reproduced paintings, photos, and micrographs bring a strong sense of reality to the events. Pair this title with LISTENING FOR LIONS, a fictionalized version of these events by Gloria Whelan. Stephanie True Peters
  • History/Social Science
  • Science
 2005
In the 1950s, Matthew befriends an African American boy who introduces him to a new style of music, and together they start a rock-and-roll band. They struggle against their parents' objections and eventually develop their own sound, becoming notable in the world of rock-and-roll. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs. Introduces issues of the time.
  • Dorothy Hoobler
  • Tom Hoobler
 Visual and Performing Arts 2001
An account of a fictional journey beneath the sea. As captives of the vengeful Captain Nemo, three men find adventure as they view the ecosystems of the world's oceans. Originally published in 1870, the story includes predictions of technologies that have come to pass, and some that haven't. Jules Verne
  • English-Language Arts/Vocabulary
  • Mathematics
  • Science
 2000
This book explores how numbers, counting, percentages, and other simple mathematical principles are twisted to suit individual agendas. The scenarios are provided by people who have encountered them and sent them to Dewdney. The scenarios could be used by students to become a detective of math abuse on their own. Because the examples are from real life there are cross curricular connections to areas such as economics and biology. A. K. Dewdney Mathematics 1993
This engaging narrative brings to life the history and inherent difficulties of slavery through the experiences of William and Ellen Craft, slaves who were able to escape to freedom in 1848 by using their wits. The text is illustrated with black-and-white photos, illustrations, and reproductions of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and newspapers. Judith Bloom Fradin History/Social Science 2006
Contains 72 of Nye’s poems. Younger teens will be intrigued and inspired by the poet’s ability to create poetry from different sources: a car manual, a newspaper article, a taco sign, Julia Child’s patting potatoes, and a vapor trail left in the sky by a pair of airplanes. Naomi Shihab Nye English-Language Arts/General 2005
This adaptation of ABRAHAM LINCOLN: THE PRAIRIE YEARS deals with Lincoln's early years up to age nineteen when he leaves home for New Salem, Illinois. A connection can be made to the eighth-grade history/social science curriculum. Carl Sandburg History/Social Science 1987
A gentleman mouse is stranded on an island. Formerly wealthy and spoiled, he is forced to become adventurous and self-reliant. This book is useful for character development studies. William Steig English-Language Arts/General 1986
Russell Freedman gives a detailed account of two of this country’s most famous men and the friendship they developed during a crucial period of American history. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were book-taught thinkers who understood the importance of the union and the abolition of slavery. Freedman uses period photographs and archival materials to tell this amazing story of a deep and abiding friendship. Pair this book with the author’s earlier work, LINCOLN: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY, and for younger readers, Lesa Cline-Ransome’s WORDS SET ME FREE: THE STORY OF YOUNG FREDERICK DOUGLASS. Russell Freedman History/Social Science 2012
An interesting representation of Lincoln that focuses on the president's development as a writer. Includes personal letters; notes on the law; excerpts from speeches, debates, and inaugural addresses; letters to parents of fallen soldiers; and telegrams to his family. Each excerpt is provided with an introduction, supplying readers with a historical perspective and context that gives meaning to the selection. An excellent selection of photographs and reproductions also enrich the text. Harold Holzer History/Social Science 2000
Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white, farm-town school where the only other Native American is the school mascot. This realistic, bittersweet, and humorous novel highlights the challenges young native people experience as they learn to balance Indian life in a modern world. Part autobiography, the story presents the complexities of coming of age, bigotry, bullies, loyalty to family, and the meaning of love. Sherman Alexie History/Social Science
 
 
 

 
 

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I'm an excellent writer- How do I publish?

Recommended by the National Writing Project 

 

DOL - Week of 6/1-6/5

Daily Oral Language Lessons 35-39

1) Mon- DOL Assignment #35- Fix the mistakes: didnt youre teacher learn you nothing about the american revolution

Combine the sentences: The song just began. I like the beat. Turn up the radio.

 2)Tues- DOL Assignment #36:Fix the mistakes: the edgewood clinic is located on terry street in anoka idaho.

Combine the sentences: The man is smart. His eyes are brown. He ran down the road.

3) WED- DOL Assignment #37: Fix the mistakes: if you give the puppy to pam she well see that its taken home

Combine the sentences: The safe was in the hotel. It was heavy. It had lots of money in it. 

 4)THURS- DOL Assignment #38 Fix the mistakes: us girls is going to susans slumber party tonight

Combine the sentences: The Lions lost the game. The Tigers won. The game was short
5) Friday - DOL Assignment #39: Fix the mistakes: the oil from that there tanker was leak in the beach

Combine the sentences: The stock went up. The stock was expensive. The stock is new. 




 

 





 

 

Mr Perkins - April 2020 Writing Tips

Mr. Perkins’ Writing Tips for April – Informative writing 

  

As the time for the state exam approaches(It was supposed to be in May) it is a great time to review informative writing. Informative writing is writing that asks our students to read an article and write about the information. On the state exam-the topics will be mostly about science and social studies and they'll have to be able to pull the key details. The central skill being emphasized throughout all the California Education Standards is to be able to support informative pieces with details. 

  

From the California Standards Language Arts- 

  1. Frame a central question about an issue or situation. 
  2. Include facts and details for focus. 
  3. Draw from more than one source of information (e.g., speakers, books, newspapers, other media sources). 2.4 Write summaries that contain the main ideas of the reading selection and the most significant details. 

  

So how can I help my student be prepared and ready? Here are a few quick and easy ways to remind them of the strategies that their teachers have been practicing with them all year. 

Think of this as a “recipe” for a strong informative piece! 

 

Informative Writing Recipe- 

  • Introduce the topic 
  • Use the 5 W's- Who? Where? When? What? Why? 
  • Use precise language 
  • Help your reader by using transition vocabulary 
  • Just the facts- no opinion 
  • Mr. Perkins Extra- Use a quote 

 What is precise language? Precise language asks students to think of the "language of the topic". For example, if there was a reading about George Washington, valuable precise language would include vocabulary such as: American Revolution, the colonies, the British, battles, first president, etc. 

  

Why is transition vocabulary essential? It sets up their paragraphs and helps guide the reader. The transitions- first, then, next, after, and finally, they let the reader know that events happened in a specific order. Other transitions that students can incorporate- first of all, secondly, lastly, and in conclusion.  

One of the most difficult skills to master for our young writers is that an informative piece shouldn't include their opinion. For example, if the topic is Dr. Martin Luther King, it shouldn't say, …..and he was a man who made the world a better place! The better choice is – according to the author, " Martin Luther King made the world a better place." 

 Finally, to make their writing stand out, students who use quotes to support their main ideas are strengthening their piece. Example- Article- "Emoji Evolution" Time for Kids 10/27- "Emoji is one of the fastest growing forms of visual communication in history. The method is modern. But communicating with symbols is part of a long tradition. A look at the past shows that we have been connecting in this way for 5,000 years." A student writing an informative piece on this article might use a quote and surround it with further details. Student example- Emojis are being used throughout the world and many people use them daily. Some might believe this is a new phenomenon however, the author states " we have been connecting in this way for 5,000 years." Visual communication has played a part in many cultures throughout history........... 

If you would like further practice for your students, here are some links to practice for standardized exams-  

  1. http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html 
  1. https://www.engageny.org/resource/released-2019-3-8-ela-and-mathematics-state-test-questions
  1. Great writing ideas!- https://cwp.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/191/2019/06/Complete-Magazine-for-Lulu.pdf

       Happy Spring, I know all our students will do their best ( in middle school and on all standardized              exams! 

       Mr. Perkins