From Fairy Tales to Myths

Good morning everyone!

The excitement is certainly building for the Winter Holiday!  Nonetheless, we were hard at work!  Here's the week in review:

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, we spent some time doing self-evaluations of our Wonder Women! quick writes from last week.  Students were given the rubric and an exemplar which we graded together.  Then, they needed to look at their own work and decide what descriptors from the rubric they were able to demonstrate.  Then then developed an action plan where they thought of next steps for reading entries they could create to show mastery.  Once they had developed their action plans, I gave them my copy of the rubric.  They could then compare how I evaluated their work versus how they evaluated their own work.

We also transitioned from fairy tales to myths.  We read a book called Icarus at the Edge of Time and then compared it to the original myth.  We used our read aloud to inform our predictions and expectations for the original myth and can apply a similar structure when making connections between mythological references in modern culture.

Social Studies

In Social Studies this week, we viewed the Animaker videos that students had created.  We also added a new entry to our online timeline Tiki-Toki.  We had to find an archaeological artifact that matched our topic/essential question and put it into our timeline.  We can then share these events with others to make comparisons.

Drama

In Drama this week, students talked about consistency in pantomime and how we make sure our invisible props like cups, phones or other items stay the same size and shape throughout a scene.  We also talked about how when we put an invisible prop down, we need to pick it up in the same spot.  We started talking about ground plans as a way to organize ourselves and our movements.  We also started talking about answering the questions: Who is the character? What is the emotion? What is the place? during a pantomimed scene.  Students will be creating their first performances in class today that will be performed next week.

Wonder Women!

Good morning everyone!

Here's what's been happening this week:

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, we have been watching a documentary called Wonder Women!   The Untold Story of Female Superheroines to add to our understanding of cultural storytelling.  We spent some time before watching the video explaining the difference between an archetype, a word we have been using a lot in our fairy tale work, and stereotype.  As they were watching the documentary they were looking for: 

Are female superheroes the archetype of a hero, the stereotype of a woman or a combination of both?  What is the perspective/opinion of the documentarian and how do you know?  What connections can you make between this documentary and fairy tales you have been reading?  If the authors are NOT in agreement, why might this be?

We then did some quick writes to respond to the questions above.  Students will be evaluating their responses to plan for next steps in our unit with skills mastery.  

Next week, we will start in on the research and writing portions of our family folklore piece.  Hopefully, your student has found some time to interview at least one family member to get some ideas for stories.

Social Studies

Students have been working feverishly on their Animaker movies about Ancient Egypt.  We will compile our Works Cited today and then start watching one another's work.  This will allow us to add to our broader understanding and add some events to our timeline next week.

Drama

The Trimester 2 drama students have transitioned to our pantomime unit.  We made sure we were secure about audience etiquette and stage directions before looking at some pantomime samples.  We defined pantomime and listed techniques used.  We will doing a series of activities that will help us practice these skills before we perform for others to receive feedback.

After the National Day holiday...

Good morning!

I hope everyone had a lovely 5-day weekend.  My family spent some time in London and enjoyed the cold weather and seeing Aladdin on the West End.  Here's what we've been up to since we got back:

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, we launched our Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends unit.  In this unit, we will be looking at different types of cultural story telling and how they reveal a cultures values while also identifying archetypes, stereotypes and social issues within a text.  There are no formal books to be taken home this unit.  Instead, students are asked to read books of their choice at home and I will check in with them about those books at various points.  

This week we talked about what makes fairy tales, myths and legends different from each other and made a Venn diagram to show our thinking. We also defined archetype as a "typical type of character found in a story".  We looked at familiar archetypes and started to identify them in the stories we are reading.  We also looked at the role that culture plays in how archetypes are portrayed.  Next week, we will put our archetype skills to the test by watching a documentary called "Wonder Women! The History or Female Superheroines".

I also introduced our next writing piece which is going to be family folklore.  Students have been asked to interview one or more family members in order to get some family history.  They will then take that history and create an expository nonfiction piece (a nonfiction piece that reads like a story).  Those interviews need to be completed by the end of next week.

Social Studies

In Social Studies this week, students have been working diligently on their Animaker projects.  They are making an informational cartoon based upon the research they have done about Ancient Egypt.  They also need to answer one of our essential questions that have been the foundation of our class discussions.

Drama

Students shifted to a new Wheel class this week.  I now have a new group of students.  We have started the class by creating Theater is... posters where we define what we think this genre of performance is/is not.  We will revisit these posters over the course of the trimester to make changes or add things.  We will be talking about different jobs in the theater and will also begin talking about stage directions.

It's Been a Few Weeks!

Between Parent/Teacher conferences and Discover Oman, it has been a few weeks since I've posted.  Here's what we've been up to:

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, we took time in the revising/editing phases of the writing process to make changes to our essays.  We looked at the feedback from Mrs. Kuti as well as our peers to guide our work.  We also used checklists and rubrics to remind ourselves of expectations.  During this work time, I offered optional mini-lessons about in-text citations, transitional phrases and paragraph reasoning for those students who wanted clarification.  

Next week we will be celebrating our hard work with some bonus read aloud and giving each other "Golden Tickets" complimenting our writing craft.  We will then start our nonfiction unit on Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends after the long holiday.  This will be paired with an expository nonfiction piece about Family Folklore.

Social Studies

Students were introduced to their next project, an animated cartoon, using research on an Egyptian topic of their choice.  Students will need to link their topic to either religion, science/technology or art.  Students spent this week researching and paraphrasing the information they have found.

Drama

In Drama this week, students reflected on the puppet performances they gave to the Kindergarten students.  They reflected on their puppetry technique, collaboration as well as overall performance.  We then started our last mini-unit of the trimester about theater critique.  Students are watching Newsies, the movie from 1992 and Newsies, the musical from 2016 and comparing/contrasting these performances.  

Wrapping things up-LA, Egyptian Economy, and Puppetry Practice

Language Arts

We are quickly coming to the end of the reading portion of our first unit.  Students should be completing their second series book by early next week.  Last week we talked about theme and this week we talked about how to extend our thinking about theme to touch on other areas of our reading work.  One idea was to take the theme and then as "What about" this theme.  For example, if the theme is perseverance, what about perseverance is the author trying to say AND do we agree?  Another thing we could do is make personal connections with the themes to our lives.  How do we see the ideas of themes from our story alive here in Muscat in 2018.  Lastly, we looked at comparing and contrasting themes to see if there are patterns the author was trying to make us aware of.

We also worked on writing our introductions and conclusions.  We looked at starting globally at the beginning of our intro and then moving to our very specific claim.  For our conclusion, we do the opposite.  If students turned in their paragraphs on time, they should have a completed draft of an essay with feedback on EACH paragraph from me.  We will revise and edit early next week and finish up after DO.

Social Studies

This week in Social Studies we looked at the economy of Ancient Egypt and how dependent they were on the Nile River for survival by doing a simulation.  We also looked at the role that taxes paid on our ability to buy supplies from merchants and craftsman.

We also started to look specifically at four memorable pharaohs.  Students chose one to read about and will create a trading card next class.

Drama

Students in the Drama class will be performing for KG on Monday of next week.  We spent this week getting to know our scripts and practicing with our group.  We were also introduced to vocal scoring as a way to add variety to the way we read our lines.  We are excited to perform!

Responding the Feedback, Pyramid Building and Puppet Building

Language Arts

This week in Language Arts, we spent time to respond to the feedback given by our teacher and the unit rubric.  We used the thought prompts: My evidence is saying...which means...so I need to...here's how I will.  Students created an action plan to achieve their next goals as a reader and also celebrate their learning so far.  We also spent time talking about theme and boiling down our stories to the big ideas.  We talked about how there are multiple themes in a story as complex as the ones we are reading so it is important to open our mind to new possibilities.

We were also busy this week as writers.  We developed a claim about our series books, gathered evidence to support that claim and are writing the rough draft of a paragraph to explain our ideas.  We will be writing the rough draft in small chunks, getting feedback along the way to then make changes during the revision process.

Students should be completing their second series book within the next week (28/29 of October).

Social Studies

In Social Studies, we spent the week talking about the social pyramid in Egypt.  We learned the different levels and their role within Egyptian society.  We also used a simulation in the wadi to build a pyramid to draw new conclusions about this social system.

We began to prep for another simulation about the Egyptian economy which we'll do on Monday.

Drama

In Drama this week, students presented their shadow puppet skits to other students in the class.  We also constructed an object puppet and sock puppet.  We will be using these puppets to perform for the KG students in a few weeks.  Mr. Everett also came by as a guest speaker to talk about how to develop a character for your puppet and make it realistic when performing.

Book 1 Complete, Egypt and Shadow Puppets

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, students completed or are very close to completing their first book in our Characters Across Series unit.  We spent time this week talking about noting character changes from the beginning to the end of the story.  This could be a list or a graphic organizer.  We looked at changes in feelings, thoughts, beliefs, relationships etc. We then looked at the SOURCE of those changes-were they events, people, internal thinking, something else?  Once we have identified the source, we need to consider if those changes are permanent or not and what the significance of the changes are for our character.

We also began our writing unit by developing claim ideas about a character, theme or other big idea.  This will be a claim that can stretch across two texts.  Next week we will work on developing our body paragraphs.

Also, I will be offering three LA Help Sessions after school for students who want additional time to work or additional help from me.  These sessions will go until 4:30 and the dates are:

October 15th

October 23rd 

November 11th

Social Studies

In Social Studies this week, we transitioned from Mesopotamia from Egypt.  Students participated in a Breakout (similar to an escape room) titled "The Timekeeper" where they had to use their knowledge of Mesopotamia and their problem skills to unlock a series of locks.

We also did a geography challenge to introduce the major physical features of Egypt.  Next week, we will start talking about the social structure and economy of Egypt.

Drama

This week in Drama, we started our puppetry unit.  Students looked at samples of shadow puppetry  and then practiced creating shadow puppets with their hands.  We then looked at cut-out shadow puppets and students started to create a script with pre-made puppets as well as ones they created.  Mr. Lovett, the Bosch Center manager spent some time explaining the effect that lighting has on a production and students got to use different colored gels to adjust the mood of their performance.  

On Monday of next week, we will be making two puppets: a sock puppet and an object puppet.  Students will need to bring in a sock, the longer the better and an object (empty water bottle, juice container, milk container etc.).  I will provide the googly eyes, ribbon, buttons etc.

Series continue and Transitioning SS/Drama Units

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, students continued in their Characters Across Series books.  We also took our Reading MAP test.  During Reader's Workshop we talked about the possessions a character has and how that points to their interests, values, expertise, social class and economic status.  We also talked about how noticing HOW the character treats an object is just as important, especially if their relationship with an object changes...it points to a larger issue or theme within the text.  We also talked about noticing how other characters treat one another in thoughts, actions, dialogue etc.  This reveals strengths and flaws within each character and can also reveal social issues within a text.

If students are reading at an appropriate pace, they should have their first text read by the end of next week.

Social Studies

In Social Studies, students spent most of the week transitioning from the research process to the writing process.  Students wrote a response to Ms. O. Potamia about her upcoming exhibit and taught her about a topic as well as answered one of our six essential questions.  We talked about proper MLA format for a Works Cited and also updated our yearlong timeline in Tiki-Toki.

Next week we will launch our unit in Ancient Egypt!

Drama

This week students performed their two-minute pantomime for the whole class.  The received feedback from their peers, myself and they evaluated themselves.  They spent our half day creating an artist statement where they synthesized their learning about this unit. 

Next week we will begin our puppetry unit!

Characters Across Series, Mesopotamia and Pantomime

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, we officially launched our Characters Across Series unit.  Students are expected to read at least two books within a series.  The first book should be completed by October 10th (B Block) or 11th (G and H Block).  The second book should be completed by October 28th (B Block) or 29th (G and H Block).  Students should be referring to the rubric in their notebook about the sorts of things to be jotting about while they read.

Students got to participate in an optional mini-lesson on breaking a large task into smaller chunks to help facilitate their reading of the series books.

We also took some time to analyze our reading log, and teacher feedback to create a reader profile.  We noticed what our data showed and asked if that was in line with the reader that we want to be.  We then developed a plan for next steps.

Social Studies

Social Studies this week was dominated by continuing to grab research about our Mesopotamian topic.  Students would copy/paste directly from a source, paraphrase the information into their own words and then create an MLA citation.  We will be writing a letter to Ms. O. Potamia next week about our topic and explaining its link to economy, government, technology, religion, social structure or the arts.  

Drama

Students had their first performance this week in the area of pantomime.  They were asked to create a pantomime with about 10 steps that had a beginning, middle and end as well as a problem to be solved.  We gave feedback to one another and also critiqued ourselves.  We then took this information and started creating a longer pantomime (around 2 minutes) to non-lyrical music.  Students will perform on Monday.

Research, Mesopotamia and Retelling

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, students became introduced to a nonfiction reading app that we have a subscription to called Newsela.  Right now, students are taking a diagnostic so the app can find articles that are at a "just right" reading level for them.  We will then use this site to supplement our read aloud, find articles of interest, and link to our units.  We also read a short story called "How to Transform an Ordinary, Everyday Hoop Court into a Place of Higher Learning with You at the Podium" by Matt De La Pena.  We talked about strategies for recording our thinking about reading (annotating) and also participated in a class discussion about the story.  We then transitioned into the idea of retelling/summarizing using different lenses.  We are very good at summarizing using events only. However, I proposed you could also focus on a character, their changes, a theme or symbolic elements to raise the level of your work.  As a result, you have to filter what is important from what is not differently, depending on the lens you are working with.

Next week, we will officially be launching our Characters Across Series unit and students will start bringing a book home.

Social Studies

In Social Studies this week, students looked at a variety of resources and practiced inquiry but finding topics of interest about Mesopotamia.  Mr. Callaway, the librarian, stopped by to teach us the five steps of effective paraphrasing, which we will be using this year when we research.  Today in class will be the first time we get to gather research and then we will be turning our research into a letter to Ms. O. Potamia, a curator at a museum.

Drama

We are continuing our pantomime unit.  Students learned about the ideas of ground plans as a way to organize the small movements that make up a larger pantomime.  It also allows them to think about where on the stage these different elements take place.  They will be presenting these pantomimes on Sunday and then based on feedback, will create a longer, more complex pantomime.

First full week and BTSN!

Good morning!

It was so lovely to meet so many of you in person last night during MS Back to School Night!  Thank you for taking a portion of your evening and spending it with us!

Language Arts

This week in Language Arts, we had our first visit with Mr. Callaway to the library.  We took a library tour and learned about how to access different resources within the MSLC.  

Most of this week was used to prepare for and participate in a writing assessment.  During one class period, students were given a variety of resources dealing with the question "Should pets be allowed in classrooms?"  They were able to glean from these resources and prepare for their writing piece.  The following class period, the students had 40-minutes to compose their essay using the skills they knew argument writers had.  

This assessment will be used as a baseline for instruction during this first unit.  I will be able to to see what skills are already secure and what skills need additional attention.  This will also allow me to see students individual needs and strengths as we proceed.

Next week, we'll look at a mentor text that will be important to us during our first unit, organize our notebooks and consider the responsibilities of the teacher/student during our workshop time.

Social Studies

In Social Studies this week, students completed a geography challenge where they need to use their map skills to identify important places for our Mesopotamia unit.  We also answered the question "What does it mean to be civilized?"  We brainstormed a list of "must haves" or needs that a civilized society have and then prioritized them.  We then looked at an archaeologists list and worked in small groups to define those characteristics.

Drama

For students in my first trimester class, we answered the question "What is theater?" and looked at different jobs within the theater.  We also learned the parts of the stage and developed our agreements for being effective audience members.

Welcome!

Good morning!

It has been a GREAT two days of Orientation for the new sixth graders.  I have enjoyed getting to know each of them and look forward to the weeks and months to come!

Back to School Night will be on Wednesday, September 5th from 5:30-8:30PM.  Activities will be begin in the Bosch Center and will then move to the Middle School hallways.  We hope to see you there!

In case you missed it in your inbox, here is a letter that was emailed to you today, introducing myself:

Dear Parents,

            Welcome back to school!  I hope that you all are prepared for an amazing year!  My name is Kendra Kuti and I am one of the 6^th grade teachers here at TAISM.  I graduated from Concordia University: Wisconsin with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Broad Field Social Studies.  I also have a Masters Degree in Gifted Education from Arizona State University.  Previously, I have taught 5th grade at TAISM, 4^th grade at a public school in Nebraska and I have also taught 6^th grade at a parochial school.

            Perhaps the best way to start the year is to thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to teach your children.   I have been looking forward to coming back to Middle School for a long time and knowing that you are allowing me to teach your children during this transitional time is very humbling.  I am excited for the upcoming school year and the journey that the children and I are embarking on together.  With trust, respect and excitement as the center of the classroom, I anticipate a fulfilling journey where students can not only grow in their academic knowledge but more importantly in their skills for life.

            I am originally from Colorado and  although I miss the view of the Rocky Mountains, I have learned to appreciate the beautiful mountains and seas of Oman.  I am married to Brian Kuti who teaches 4th grade in the Elementary School.  We have a 5 year old named Benjamin (KG) and a three year old named Kolwin (EC1) who keep us busy!  I also enjoy running, hiking, camping and reading in my spare time. I love to travel and have been able to go to a variety of places which I believe will enhance both the students understanding of the various materials we will cover and will also assist in my ability to teach.  I am a lifelong learner and cannot wait to grow with your students this year!

            I hope that this letter has given you a small glimpse into who I am and will be the beginning of a positive relationship during our time together at TAISM.  Please feel free to contact me at any time at kutik@taism.com. I also have a blog which can be found on the MS Learning Hub which will keep you updated on various assignments and activities within the classroom.  I look forward to getting to know both you and your child in the upcoming weeks and months!

With excitement,

Kendra Kuti