Novel Study: Hidden by Helen Frost

Hidden by Helen Frost... what a gem!

My students will be reading Hidden by Helen Frost over the next couple of weeks.

Reading Focus:
Literary Devices/Figurative Language
Plot
Character Traits/Motivations
Point of View
Symbolism

This prose novel is nothing short of fantastic!  It offers a LARGE array of topics for study in the classroom and opens doors for analysis and discussion that meets Figure 19 needs for STAAR.

We are starting this upcoming week with plot, character traits, and literary devices and point of view.  I can't wait to start reading.  The next week we will dig deeper into inferences as we discover the hidden code the author has left in Darra's sections of the book.  The last word of each long line in Darra's sections offers even more insight to her and her father.  UNREAL!  I can't wait to share it with the kids.

Character sketches, Venn Diagrams, Plot lines and much more will be involved with this week's lessons.  Discussions will also include the idea of a hero, friendship, and the various meanings of the word hidden... as it represents so much in this novel.

After reading, we will be reading/writing Forgiveness poetry for more connections!  Will post more as I go along with lessons and pics.

Maas Out!

First Week Back Focus: Communication!

During InService this year, our staff went through a breakout session over communication.  I like to think that I communicate well with parents, but I know I can always do better.

Our principal introduced Remind 101 to us based on the suggestion of one of our 6th grade teachers, Sarah Williams... THANKS Sarah!

www.remind101.com

Remind 101 is a FANTASTIC and FREE web based texting service that your parents can sign up for.  You simply setup names for your individual classes and then send out the simple instructions for your parents to sign up for text messages.

NO... YOU DON't give out your personal cell number.  You text via the Remind 101 website.  Barely any work for you or the parent!

You can then send out reminders to a whole class about tests, field trips, assignments coming due, etc.!

I will be using it in my classroom this year!  Already set up and ready for Open House to provide instructions to parents.

Hope this helps make your communication process a little more effective this year.  I LOVE technology!

Maas Out!