IXLchallenge!!
i'm challenging the whole team to work on my recommended skills on IXL. the challenge ends on tuesday, march 12th at 3:30pm. the TOP 10 students with the most correct answers in the skills i recommend to you will win a gift certificate!! you can work on IXL in your classes/advise/excel during free time and you can work on them if you have a device and internet/data outside of school. good luck and get smarter!
LIONS collaboratively analyzing texts:
(2/19/24) robin hood thinglink interactive poster. we will be using this for some assignments and activities this week.
(1/27/24) this week you will be taking the winter aimsweb reading assessment. it will probably take about 2 class periods to complete. make sure you sleep well every night and eat a good breakfast.
(1/1/24) HAPPY NEW YEAR!! it's 2024...let's make it awesome!!
11/14/23 whenever you have free time, login to IXL and work on my recommended skills. practice makes better!!
(9/25/23) click on the link below to explore this thinglink presentation on the districts and the capitol of panem:
examples of capitol propaganda:
(september 2023) students practicing the R.A.C.E. writing strategy.
(3/3/23) lions hard at work in reading class!! the students worked on mini group projects on author's purpose and point of view.
dear LIONS family, (posted 9/20/22)
hafa adai! look at all these great books! every order earns our class bonus points for FREE books and resources! happy shopping! with a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 book (use code: READS). you can shop online or use the book order forms that i passed out in class.
In-Class Order Forms/Payment Due Date: 09/30/22
Online Orders Due Date: 09/30/22
Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/LM6KD
Shop Digital Flyers for Our Grade with Your Child: https://clubs.scholastic.com/middleschool
Please share the Class Page link to extended family and friends. All orders also earn FREE Books for our class.
thank you for your support!
mrs. borja
hafa adai! look at all these great books! every order earns our class bonus points for FREE books and resources! happy shopping! with a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 book (use code: READS). you can shop online or use the book order forms that i passed out in class.
In-Class Order Forms/Payment Due Date: 09/30/22
Online Orders Due Date: 09/30/22
Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/LM6KD
Shop Digital Flyers for Our Grade with Your Child: https://clubs.scholastic.com/middleschool
Please share the Class Page link to extended family and friends. All orders also earn FREE Books for our class.
thank you for your support!
mrs. borja
HAFA ADAI!
wishing well™ is the simple, easy way for teachers to raise donations for vital school supplies and receive them fast!
click here or scan the QR code to check out mrs. borja's classroom wish list and learn more about wishing well™.
thanks!
madrid borja
wishing well™ is the simple, easy way for teachers to raise donations for vital school supplies and receive them fast!
click here or scan the QR code to check out mrs. borja's classroom wish list and learn more about wishing well™.
thanks!
madrid borja
welcome to wonderland!
5/6/22 final project!!! your "ALL ABOUT ME" projects are due on friday, may 13th. please take your time and do your best! projects are located in our google classroom. show your skill while sharing more about yourself to me for one of the last times this school year. can't wait to see them!!
IDIOMS are fun!! they are well-known sayings and a form of figurative language where the meaning cannot be translated literally. here are some you may have heard. they are a fun way to express yourself. idioms are "MORE FUN THAN A BARREL OF MONKEYS!" use more idioms in your daily conversations!!
hafa adai my lion cubs!!
i have been out for a bit and i was excited to get back into the classroom this week. but because of the rise in covid-19 numbers, gdoe would like to regroup and reassess the situation and come up with a plan to make it safer for us to return to the classroom. so there will not be any classes this week, and the following week will be online...temporarily. we will figure things out and we will come up with a plan to create the safest environment for us this year. until then...keep checking your email for updates and stay safe!! see you soon!!
~mrs. borja
8/1(6/21) make sure you accept my google classroom invitation. you can find it in your gdoe student email. even if i have you for face-to-face classes, i will still be using google classroom a lot. stay safe! and as always...be good, read books.
WELCOME BACK WILDCATS!!!
and welcome to team LIONS!! this is going to take a little time to adjust to being back in school but together we can also make it fun, challenging, and memorable. this is going to take the efforts of students, parents, and the teachers to ensure learning happens. but as students of the school of excellence, i know you will try your hardest to participate in and accomplish the tasks presented to you. let's do this!! mrs. borja, team LIONS reading teacher |
(4/28/20) hey kids!! idioms are a type of figurative language. they are widely used expressions whose meanings are not to be taken literally. we use them to make our conversations more fun and interesting. you're probably familiar with some like "it's raining cats and dogs" but i will be posting others every once in a while so you learn more. i will also be posting words to add to your vocabulary. try to use these idioms and words throughout the week! stay safe and keep learning! (click the images below to view them completely)
(4/7/20) we were so close to finishing our novel. it's not too late! check your email/google classroom and watch my videos. let's finish it together.
(3/28/20) while you're staying home, login to google classroom and take this fun little quiz! let's see how much you still remember from our class! and may the odds be ever in your favor!! be good. read books.
(12/10/19) happy holidays, lions!!!! from, mrs. borja
(10/9/19) I volunteer our class as tributes to read the hunger games! you have a copy available to you in google classroom so you can read ahead or reread what we went over in class. and may the odds be ever in your favor!
text structure foldable projects: last day to submit for full credit is friday 9/27/19
September 2019: new books!!! new books!! new books!!! new books!! new books!!! new books!!
scholastic book order forms
scholastic book order forms have been passed out. forms and money due by friday 9/13/19. checks can be made playable to "scholastic"
welcome to school year 2017-18
we will be working on fiction during 1st quarter but the first couple of weeks were spent doing multiple initial assessments with the students. these assessments will serve as a benchmark so that we can monitor their progress throughout the year. assessments include: the nelson reading test, aimsweb and a LPUMS 8th grade common formative assessment. we are also currently reviewing story elements like plot, conflict and characterization.
google classroom
we have recently started using the google classroom app on the ipads supplied to us by the striving readers comprehensive literacy grant. google classroom is accessible to parents and students in and outside of class. each student has been given a google email account. once they login they can complete assignments they might not have had enough time to in class, or access resources to help them study or complete projects.
go to https://classroom.google.com/ if you're using a computer or download the google classroom app on your phone or tablet.
go to https://classroom.google.com/ if you're using a computer or download the google classroom app on your phone or tablet.
novel study...the hunger games by suzanne collins.
(ipads courtesy of the striving readers comprehensive literacy grant)
pay it forward group project worksheets.
(10/6/15) new books have been added to my library. borrow one to take home or relax with one in the book nook!
(9/30/15) 10 steps to the head of the class:
(8/17/15) mrs. borja's reading syllabus for school year 2015-1016
reading_syllabus_7th_grade.docx | |
File Size: | 58 kb |
File Type: | docx |
reading_syllabus_8th_grade.docx | |
File Size: | 58 kb |
File Type: | docx |
family reading project:
"message in a bottle gets delivered after 101 years!"
texting and emailing isn't the only way to send a message, although you might not be around long enough to get a reply. read the following article with your family and discuss how far communication has come since your parents were your age.
click here to read the full article.
texting and emailing isn't the only way to send a message, although you might not be around long enough to get a reply. read the following article with your family and discuss how far communication has come since your parents were your age.
click here to read the full article.
synonym & antonym foldables (3rd qtr)
articles for fact/opinion chart homework assignment: due 2/10 (black) 2/11 (gold)
family reading project:
"researchers reveal the one word that can be understood almost universally"
read the article and find out what word you can use in just about every country in the world. go over the vocabulary words and answer the discussion questions as a family.
click this link to read this article.
(9/24/13) *****extra credit*****
there are a bunch of projects that are going to start coming up soon and we're going to need a lot of magazines. extra credit for (family appropriate) magazines brought in to me through the end of october.
international book week 2013.
(9/3/13) catching fire fee due by 9/10/13
In the next couple weeks, 8A will begin reading Catching Fire. The second book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It is published by Scholastic Books and recommended for ages 12 and up.
I am excited to have the opportunity to share this riveting novel with your child. I have selected this novel because I believe it will offer numerous educational opportunities and class discussions about issues that pertain to them, such as the loyalty, struggling to do the right thing, sticking to your morals/beliefs and dealing with peer pressure. I am asking each child to contribute a small $2.00 donation to go towards the purchase of a class set that we may use during this novel study.
Please sign the consent form provided to your child and return to Mrs. Borja by 9/10/13. If you are opposed to Catching Fire and wish to have your child read a different novel, an alternative with a similar theme will be selected.
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(4/1/13) 4th quarter skills:
the skills we will be focusing on during 4th quarter are: inferenceing, context clues, informational texts, words with multiple meanings and if time permits...DRAMA!
(feb/2013) The Living Iambic Pentameter: (click images to enlargen)
(jan/2013) facts and opinions foldables.
(includes definitions, types of evidence that can help distinguish between the two and example sentences)
Writing and Performing Drama. Preparing for the 8A Fairy Tale Festival: 2012.
# 8 Student Book Critique: The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins
Brandon D.
The book that we read for Mrs. Borja's class was The Hunger Games. The book centered around Katniss and her struggles to survive. The problem worsens once the Capitol pulls her sister's name out during the reaping. Now Katniss must volunteer for her sister and not only survive her normal life, but now she must survive the Hunger Games.
The book is an epic first part for The Hunger Games trilogy. The detail put into the book was amazing for the first book. Suzanne Collins did what few authors could and wrote a good novel. Other authors don't capture my attention as much; not like Suzanne Collins did. I read all three books in the trilogy; she made the second saga of novels I was willing to complete.
The Hunger Games: Spotting the differences between the book and the film.
#7 (2/14/12) 3rd quarter poetry unit
the 8A lions have started the 3rd quarter poetry unit. they will learn about different styles of poetry, poetic devices, composition, recitation and interpretation. they are required to have a binder, folder or notebook which should be brought to class every day and often studied because of frequent quizzes. some of the styles covered in this unit are: acrostics, concrete, sonnets, haiku and free-verse.
#6 (11/10/11) novel poster project
1 Poster Board or tri-fold per group
Must include:
· (5pts) Title/author of book
· (20pts) Summary of the story
· (20pts) Descriptions of the main characters
· (20pts) Labeled plot diagram-(short description of setting, 2-3 conflicts from the rising action, what happened in the climax, an example of falling action, what was the resolution)
· (10pts) Information about the author (when/where they were born/died, other books they wrote, any interesting information you can find)
· (20pts) Top 10 vocabulary words and definitions from the story
· (5pts) Class period and names of group members on the front of the board
Total 100 pts.
Extra credit:
· Illustrations or pictures
· A handout with information about your book for each student in your class
· Extra information on these topics (depending on which book you read)
o Saving Zasha, Hidden Girl, Heroes Don’t Run- Historical information about the war
o Notes from the Dog, Mockingbird, Freak the Mighty- Medical information about cancer (Notes) or Asperger’s (Mock), Morquio Syndrome (Freak the Mighty)
o Old Yeller, Saving Zasha, The Hidden Girl, Heroes Don’t Run- Historical information about what life was like in this time period.
**Will be presented to the class on Monday, November 28th**
#5 (10.11.11) literature circles
after reading a novel as a large group, our next unit will be in literature circles. a literature circle is a small group of people brought together because of the their shared interest in a book. each student will have a role as they read, investigate and analyze the story and its characters.
i provided the synopsis of different seven books and asked them to list their top three choices. it worked out that most students were able to get their first choice, a few got their second choice, only a few will be reading their third choice but everyone is reading a book off of their preferred list. the groups will be keeping a folder with vocaulary words/definitions, student-created test questions, summarizations and illustrations from each chapter.
the books we will be reading are:
i provided the synopsis of different seven books and asked them to list their top three choices. it worked out that most students were able to get their first choice, a few got their second choice, only a few will be reading their third choice but everyone is reading a book off of their preferred list. the groups will be keeping a folder with vocaulary words/definitions, student-created test questions, summarizations and illustrations from each chapter.
the books we will be reading are:
#4 (10.4.11) extra credit **deadline expired**
i'm offering extra credit to anyone who brings in an article or a review of the movie we are going to watch on the fieldtrip on friday, MONEYBALL. you might find an article or a review in a newspaper, magazine or on the internet. clip or print it out and bring it to me by friday, october 7th. for extra, extra credit...you can write a 1/2 page paper on what you expect of the movie and how you think it will relate to what you're learning in school. good luck!
**(10/11/11) GREAT JOB TO THE STUDENTS WHO TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTRA CREDIT!! THOSE OF YOU WHO MISSED OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY, KEEP CHECKING THE WEBSITE FOR MORE EXTRA CREDIT OFFERS!***
**(10/11/11) GREAT JOB TO THE STUDENTS WHO TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTRA CREDIT!! THOSE OF YOU WHO MISSED OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY, KEEP CHECKING THE WEBSITE FOR MORE EXTRA CREDIT OFFERS!***
#3 (8.29.22) book order forms
i will be collecting the scholastic book order forms and payment on thursday, september 1st. (make checks payable to SCHOLASTIC.)
#2 (8.27.11) novel study
the first novel we will be reading in class is ben mikaelsen's touching spirit bear. it's about a teenage boy dealing with rage, hate and anger issues. he is sent to survive alone on a remote island for a year after an incident that left another boy with permanent brain damage. it's a story about responsibility, respect, forgiveness,community, survival and anger management.
we have a class set that we will be reading together in class, however students are welcome to purchase their own copies to review at home.
we have a class set that we will be reading together in class, however students are welcome to purchase their own copies to review at home.
#1 (8.22.11) reading syllabus
COURSE SYLLABUS
Reading Luis P. Untalan Middle School
8Th Grade Reading
Teacher: Mrs. Madrid Borja
Team: 8A Rm: 38 Phone: 735-3110/1 Email Address: [email protected]
School-Wide Expectations:
C-are for your school!
A-ct responsibly!
T-reat yourself and others with respect!
S-trive for excellence!
Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to help improve reading fluency, expand vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills and generate an appreciation for literature in preparation for high school and beyond.
Course Description:
This course will cover, but is not limited to, the following:
- Recognition of literary elements in reading selections
- Use of new words as part of students’ vocabulary
- Response & analyzing literature – view literature critically
- Clear expression of thoughts, written and/or orally
- Clarifying word meaning through the use of context clues
- Identification of characteristics of different forms of prose
- Analyzing of characters
- Identification of figurative language
- Making inferences
- Writing summaries of reading materials
- Locating information using a variety of consumer and work place documents
- 3-ring Binder (at least 1")
- College rule, loose leaf paper
- Pens and/or pencils
- Index Dividers for Binder (not required but suggested)
- Dictionary (Not required but y suggested)
Absences/Late Work/Extra Credit:
Students with absences, excused or unexcused, will be responsible for inquiring about and completing missed assignments. Upon return, students will have two days to turn in make up work. (Students with extended absences will be handled on a case by case basis.) Opportunities for extra credit will be made available throughout the school year.
Grades:
Grades are based on an average of the following:
In-class Assignments—————– 20%
Homework——————————–20%
Tests/Quizzes—————————-20%
Binder————————————-15%
Participation—————————–10%
Final Exam —————————– 15%
Total————————————————100%
Dear Students and Parents,
Please understand that this is a team effort on all our parts. As a teacher I am committed to the instruction and wellbeing of all my students. The expectations of the students are to realize the opportunity of a good education and to try their hardest to make the most of it. The role of the parents is to be involved-ask your child about school, attend parent-teacher conference, help with homework, volunteer for school functions and call your child’s teachers with any questions or concerns. By working together we can make this year both educational and enjoyable. Go WILDCATS!!
Thank you,
Mrs. Madrid Borja, Reading Teacher, UMS