Romano’s Recipe for Reading and Writing

Today in class students started working on heart maps.  These maps contain words and pictures of people, places and things that have touched the child’s heart in some way.  These maps will be used as an on-going brainstorm list of possible writing topics.  The maps were drawn on the outside of each studen’t writing folder.  These folders will be kept in class for continuous use. 

We continue with our read-alound novel Stargirl.  There will be a quiz on chapters 1-6 on Wednesday for my A-day students and Thursday fo rmy B-day students.  Every student received a study guide to prepare for this test.   

As we finished up our second week of school, I was able to learn some interesting facts about some of my students.  In addition, I shared some interesting things about myself with them.  Be sure to ask them about what they’ve learned.:)  Unfortunately, some students did not have their final draft to turn in.  Please encourage your children to get them in as soon as possible to avoid loss of credit. 

Other things to note:

• All eighth graders must complete their book talk by September 5th. Please consult the school website for a copy of the rubric I will be using to grade this. 
• Get those notebooks organized! 
• We will have a Stargirl quiz next Tuesday/Wednesday on Chapters 1-6.  A study guide has been provided. 
• We will start working on the stories of our lives next week…Stay tuned

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

It has been a whirlwind of activity these past few days.  In addition to going over rules and procedures, we have read the introduction and first two chapters of the novel Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.  This is being done as a read aloud.  Students are asked a series of questions after the reading to reinforce comprehension and listening skills. 

In addition, on Wednesday and Thursday students will share with the class what they have learned about their partner during the interview process.  I can’t wait to hear what they found out!  A rubric was given out during class today so that students will know how to receive the highest possible grade for this assignment.   

Please make sure you are getting the necessary supplies for class. This will help to insure that your are organized and prepared for class regularly. 

Will the real Mrs. Romano please step forward…

Upon entering class today, students were surprised to discover that I do not actually have a mustache.  After their initial shock had worn off, students enjoyed the delicious cookies that they had created during their first class.  We then discussed the rules of the class and got down to business.  Students began what will be their first, graded writing assignment.  Each student was paired up with another student to conduct an interview which will serve as the basis for an expository writing assignment meant to introduce the students to one another.  This will give me an idea of how well the students write.   The final draft of this assignment will be due the middle of next week. 

As part of our first day together, students were introduced to my alter ego, "Chef Romano."  As Chef Romano I discussed with my class the need to follow the "recipe" for good writing.  We watched a power point presentation which compared cooking to writing.  In the culminating part of my lesson, I had students add the ingredients necessary to make chocolate chip cookies.  We continued to stress the importance of following the recipe just as one should follow the seven traits of good writing.  The traits referenced were: ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, conventions and presentation.  This comparison will continue to be a theme throughout the rest of the year. 

Welcome back!

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.  My name is Chrissy Romano, and I am so excited to be a part of the McClure team.  Although this is my first year at McClure, it is my 13th year of teaching.  Most recently I taught at Chapel Hill Middle School in Douglasville.  I have also taught in New York and Connecticut. I am married and have three beautiful children ages 2, 4, and 7.  My hobbies include: reading, playing tennis, jet skiing, boating and just about anything that involves water.  I look forward to working with the students and parents in the McClure community.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.