Welcome to Ms. Canavan's Website!

Week of May 20, 2013
Ancient Greek Test is Tuesday.  You can find the study guide under the History Units tab.  Study tonight and good luck!!

Open House Thursday May 16th 6:30pm-8:00pm

Open House is taking place this Thursday from 6:30pm-8:00pm.  This is a chance to come see your child's teacher's and classrooms, and to look at some of the special things that they have been working on this year.  There is always a big turnout, so make sure you get here early in order to find a parking place. 

Students who attend Open House will receive Extra Credit.  Each student must sign up for a shift in class.  They must stay for their entire shift.  They may dress-up and bring food for additional extra credit.  This is a fun event, don't miss out!

Shift 1: 6:30pm- 7:15pm
Shift 2: 7:15pm- 8:00pm

Each Shift= 20 points
Food= 15 points
Dress-Up= 15 points

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!!!

Ms. Canavan

Week of May 6, 2013

Great job students during STAR Testing!  Everyone took the test seriously and gave their best effort to receive a good score.  I'm really proud of all of you!

This week we will be traveling to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco to see actual Terra Cotta Soldiers!  Please arrive at school no later than 7:45am and we should be returning back to school by 3:00pm.

Homework this week will focus on writing. Each night please respond in a one paragraph response to the following questions:

Monday:  What are some of the reasons scholars think Qin Shihuangdi had all of these soldiers made?  According  to the historian Shiji, what happenend to the sculptors and other people who worked on the emperor's tomb?

Tuesday:  A legacy is what you leave behind or what people remember about you after you have died.  Emperor Qin had several enduring legacies, the Terracotta Army among the most famous. Write a paragraph describing what you hope your legacy will be, who it will impact, and how.

Thursday: As exciting as it would be to visit the Terracotta Army in China, there are pros and cons when it comes to being a tourist. On the one hand, the country of China benefits from the money they make from tourists who come to visit. On the other hand, with so many people moving in and out of the site that bring their germs and bacteria from all over the world, mold and fungi have started growing on the exposed soldiers, potentially ruining them for future study! What other positive or negative impacts of being a tourist can you think of?

Watch China's Terracotta Warriors on PBS. See more from Secrets of the Dead.

Week of March 18, 2013

Tuesday is Writing Day!  You will be writing your 5 paragraph essay answering the writing prompt below.  We will practice paraphrasing and summarizing on Monday. We begin China and Chapter 10 homework is DUE FRIDAY and CHAPTER 11 homework is DUE MONDAY.  An academic summary on the following article is DUE FRIDAY:


Week of March 11, 2013
Spring has arrived!!  Daylight Savings brings more sunlight and longer hours in the day!  Be sure to enjoy it!  And be sure to read for 30 minutes every night!  There are only 3 weeks left in the quarter and many of you have not taken any AR quizzes.  Remember reading is part of your daily homework and worth 10% of your grade!

This week we will continue our study on world religions.  We will create a Prezi, DUE WEDNESDAY.  The Socratic Seminar is scheduled for Thursday. 

The Prezi, Socratic Seminar and 5 Paragraph essay will answer the following prompt:

How did the major religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism) develop over time and spread their message in order to convert others to their beliefs?

Essay Map

Click here for the Spread of Religion Video Clip



This weeks homework (DUE FRIDAY) is an academic summary on the following article:



Week of March 4, 2013
This week is our Unit Vocabulary Test.  Students should be reviewing Lesson 13, 14, 15, and 16 vocabulary words each night.  Monday nights homework is to create a bingo board: one side Lesson 13 and 14, the other side Lesson 15 and 16.  We will play Bingo daily for review but study flash cards every night!  You will get to finish your commercials this week and they will be uploaded to Youtube.

Monday, Mandala's are due.  We will have a test on Ancient India on Wednesday.  We will then continue our religion unit and begin a study on Buddhism.  Next week we will have another Socratic Seminar to evaluate how Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism have developed into world religions, followed by a 5 paragraph essay.

Minimum Days are this Wednesday and Thursday for conferences.  Student's will get out of school at 11:30am.  If you are interested in setting up a conference, please email me at ccanavan@suesd.org.

Have a great week!


Week of February 19, 2013
This week: Lesson 15 vocabulary focused on word families.  Flash cards for homework Monday night.  Read the following article on the meteors that hit Russia last week and write an academic summary in your composition book.  You can also write in the writing frame and then glue it into your comp book. 

Tuesday is writing day.  You will write a 5 paragraph expository essay on the following question:

How did ancient South Asian civilizations grow in the way they did?

Expository essays are simply essays that explain something with facts, as opposed to opinion.  Click here for a sample outline.  You may use your textbook and Cornell Notes.





Week of February 12, 2013

This week:  We need to take that Lesson 13 vocab test that was supposed to be taken on Friday! :) So study tonight and we will take the test Wednesday.  Tonight flash cards for Lesson 14 and 1 paragraph using 7 vocab words due Friday.  Also, please read the following article and write an academic summary (click here for writing frame).  For History, finish Cornell Notes for Chapter 6.





Agenda for Friday, February 8

Humanities  Periods 1/2 and 3/4

1) Complete Ancient India map
2) Cornell Notes Chapter 6 Section 2
3) Quiet AR Reading
We will go to the computer lab on Tuesday.  If Mr. Taub allows, students may film their commercials, but no computer lab Friday.

Period 7 Technology
Game Day!!!  You will have Tuesday to finish your Prezi.



Week of January 28, 2013

Agenda for Monday, January 28

1st and 3rd Period (take a pencil and composition book to lab)
Computer Lab in Room 84:
1) Go to Weekly Vocabulary tab on left and click on Spelling City to find this weeks Lesson 13 vocab words.  Write words down in composition book.  Flash cards for homework. Due Tuesday
2) Go to DOGO News and read the article Super Bowl 47 Pits Harbaugh Against Harbaugh!
    In your composition book, write an academic summary following the Academic Summary Writing frame.  
    Click HERE to open the writing frame.  Please write in your composition book, do not type it.  Due Tuesday

2nd and 4th Period
Complete Ten Commandments handout.  

When finished look over Ancient Hebrews Chapter 5 and write 4 beliefs of Judaism. ( IN YOUR HISTORY SPIRAL)

For each belief write TWO facts about the belief AND explain if this belief is similar to your personal spirituality or beliefs

Belief	Two Facts	Explain if this belief is similar to your own spirituality or beliefs
1  2  3  4

Period 7 Technology
Finish Rules of theComputer Lab Acrostic
If finished, make a collage of your favorite things!  Search Google images and drag pictures to a Word document.  Be sure to right click on the image in Word and click ARRANGE and click Send To Front for EVERY picture.

Week of January 22, 2013
Congratulations to the following students who will be moving on to the next round of the Spelling Bee:  Elena Curtin, James Falkenroth, Max Mansfield, and Hunter Burt!

This week is the beginning of the third quarter which means everyone has a chance at a fresh start.  We will begin a persuasive writing unit and continue our study of the Ancient Hebrews.

Homework for this week is an academic summary due Friday.  Be sure to read for 30 minutes every night!

Academic Summary article can be found here: Winning At All Costs...A Good Strategy?



Week of January 14, 2013
Students will participate in a Spelling Bee this week.  The following are the nightly assignments:

Monday: Pick 20 words and have a parent or sibling give you a practice test, write the correct spelling of the word 3 times next to the words you missed
Tuesday: Pick the 20 words and have a parent or sibling give you a practice test, write the correct spelling of the word 3 times next to the words you missed

terrarium pneumonia solidarity metamorphosis epitome punctuality audacious chiropractor inundate methodical continuity fractional skittish contusion excrement evangelical melancholy posterior anatomical anterior fabricated ambiguous bicentennial

exacerbated palpate phlegm nuance cataclysmic apocalyptic indoctrinate cornucopia entourage facsimile reciprocal relinquish spherical paranoia exuberant superiority confidentiality narcissistic persnickety troublesome ventricle tenacious infinite

Week of November 5, 2012

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”- Anonymous

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”- Jim Rohn

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” -Plato

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” - Lao Tzu

The first quarter ended on Friday and we are off to a fresh start!  That means every single one of you are starting off the second quarter with an 'A'.  You have the choice to work hard and keep it that grade, or to not work hard and watch it slowly drop to a lower grade.  It's up to you!  Read the above quotes about new beginnings...today is your new beginning.  Don't waste this opportunity!

There has been a slight change to the reading log policy- there will not be any more reading logs to complete.  This means it's up to you to make sure you are reading at home!  When you are finished with your book, you may take an AR quiz in my classroom ANY TIME during the period.  Remember to try and read 150 minutes a week.  Reading=Success




After years of sitting on the sidelines out of uniform, Rudy finally got the chance to dress and play in a real game.  He didn't let anything stop him.  And it started with a single step.

What are you willing to do today to make sure your dreams come true?

Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE MONDAY:
*Chapter 3 Social Studies Workbook

DUE TUESDAY:

DUE WEDNESDAY:
Compare/Contrast paragraph (period 1 only)

DUE THURSDAY

DUE FRIDAY:


Week of October 27, 2012
This week is the last week of the first quarter.  The last day to take AR quizzes is this Friday, November 2.  Because students have been busy finishing their Holes packets, I've extended the due date for the What Makes a Champion Essay to next Friday, November 9.  Students will be receiving the instructions on Monday, November 5. 

Also, for the second quarter, it is very important that students turn their work in ON TIME.  I do not accept late work, but have been making exceptions for the first quarter because students are getting used to the transition to middle school.  However, beginning second quarter, this policy will change.  For projects and essays, for every day the assignment is late students will receive 1 grade lower.  For homework assignments, if the assignment is one day late they will receive 70% credit, for assignments turned in even later the most they can receive is 50%.  So, be sure to manage your time and turn in your assignments by the due date!

Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE MONDAY:
*HOLES FINAL DRAFT

DUE TUESDAY:
*Beach Paragraph (period 1)
*HOLES FINAL DRAFT (period 3)

DUE WEDNESDAY(assembly schedule):
*Mesopotamia Map

DUE THURSDAY
*Bullying Paragraph

DUE FRIDAY:
*Holes Compare/Contrast Paragraph

DUE MONDAY, NOV. 5
*Chapter 3 Workbook, Sections 1-4

Week of October 22, 2012

Watch the below video. How did Russell Wilson's dad motivate him to become the success he has become today? You, too, can be that success!

Follow the 3 "P's"
Always PERSEVERE!
Always have a great PERSPECTIVE!
Always have a great PURPOSE in your life!



Writing Activity:

What Makes a Champion?
Students will write a 5 paragraph essay describing the qualities of a champion. How does a person become successful? What traits do successful people have?

Final Essay is due date TBD

“I'm not saying it's going to be easy. Nothing in life is easy. But that's no reason to give up. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it. After all, you only have one life, so you should try to make the most of it.” ― Louis Sachar, Holes

Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE TUESDAY:
*Holes Rough Draft
*Lesson 1 Vocab

DUE WEDNESDAY(minimum day):
* Lesson 2 Vocab
*Chapter 2 Cornell Notes

DUE THURSDAY (minimum day)
*Lesson 3 Vocab (period 3 only)

DUE FRIDAY:
*Lesson 3 and 4 vocab (period 1 only)
*Reading Log, parent signature required

Vocab Choices:  15 sentences, antonym or synonym word web, paragraph using 5 vocab words, comic strip using 5 vocab words

***Vocab Unit 1 Test on Friday!  Be sure to study words from Lesson 1, 2, 3, and 4****


Week of October 15, 2012
Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE TUESDAY:
*Holes Lit Questions Ch 28-31
*Lesson 4 Flash Cards

DUE WEDNESDAY:
* Holes Lit Questions Ch 32-35 AND After Reading Paragraph
* Chapter 2 and 3 Cornell Note Questions

DUE THURSDAY:
*Holes Lit Questions Ch 36-40

DUE FRIDAY:
*Reading Log, parent signature required
*Holes Lit Questions Ch 41-43 and After Reading Paragraph
*Ancient Civ Workbook Chapter 2 Sections 1 and 2, checkpoint and check your progress




Week of October 9, 2012
Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE WEDNESDAY:
* Holes Lit Questions 13-17 AND After Reading Paragraph
* AR Letter- parent signature required

DUE THURSDAY:
*Holes Lit Questions 18-22 (will finish 23-27 and paragraph in class on Thursday)

DUE FRIDAY:
*Reading Log, parent signature required
*Holes Lit Questions 28-32

***Early Humans Test Thursday, October 11 (open note)***


October 5, 2012

Today is the one year anniversary marking the death of Steve Jobs.  Here are a few of my favorite quotes that I hope will inspire you, also.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

"Stay hungry, stay foolish."


Apple pays tribute to Steve Jobs with this video.  Click here to view it.



October 3, 2012

Chapter 6 Lit Question


Week of October 1, 2012
Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE TUESDAY: 
*Lesson 3 Flash Cards
*Parent Signature for Holes Packet
*Finish Chapters 1-3

DUE WEDNESDAY:
* Finish Chapters 4-7 and After Reading Paragraph

DUE THURSDAY:
*Finish Chapters 8-13

DUE FRIDAY:
*Reading Log, parent signature required
*Vocab Lesson 3 Handout and Vocab Word Web

***Early Humans Test Tuesday, October 9***



Back to School Night 2012



Week of September 24, 2012

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Pete Carroll, Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks

Excellence is in all of us.  It is not reserved only for the few.  What things can YOU do to achieve excellence?

Use Your Words Wisely: Speak with kindness and respect
Be Accountable:Take responsibility and face challenges with grace
Focus: Pause often and set aside time for your big dreams
Be Determined: Just like Brock in the video below,  with the right amount of perseverance and hard work, you will reach your GOALS...you will achieve EXCELLENCE!




Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE TUESDAY: 
*Lesson 2 Flash Cards

DUE WEDNESDAY:
*Finished Storyboards
*Final Draft of Just Once or All Summer in a Day paragraph

DUE THURSDAY:

DUE FRIDAY:
*Reading Log, parent signature required
*Vocab Lesson 2 Handout and
*Vocab Lesson 2 Visiting Another Planet paragraph using 5 vocab words
*Chapter 1 Sections 1-3 Social Studies Workbook- provide answers on a separate piece of binder paper, check points and check your progress questions only

***Reminder:  Geography Quiz Retake on Friday during class***



Week of September 17, 2012

Welcome back!  Hopefully everyone had a great weekend and have remained healthy!  I know I've been fighting a nasty cold so just reminding everyone to eat healthy, get a lot of sleep and drink a lot of water!  Oh, and wash your hands!! 

This week we will be starting paragraph writing in Language Arts and Archaeology in History.  We have a few quizzes this week:  Geography on Tuesday, Elements of a Story on Thursday, and Vocabulary/Spelling on Friday.  As a reminder, all dates are subject to change, depending on how the lessons go.  So, for the most accurate class activity schedule, follow your planner!

Here is a nice Geography Review:

Geography Review

Homework
Read AR book for 30 minutes every night!

DUE TUESDAY: 
*Lesson 1 Flash Cards
*Geography Study Guide

DUE WEDNESDAY:
*Bring an artifact from home

DUE FRIDAY:
*Reading Log, parent signature required
*Vocab Lesson 1 Handout and Comic Strip using 5 vocab words
*Elements of a Story Storyboard (Just Once or All Summer in a Day)

***Reminder:  Geography Quiz on Tuesday, Sept 18; Elements of a Story Quiz on Thursday, Sept 20; Vocab/Spelling Test Friday, Sept 21***


Week of September 10, 2012

This week in Language Arts we are going to be reading the short story "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury.  Students will focus on the following two questions: 1) How does it feel to be an outsider? 2) Why do people sometimes refuse to accept someone into their group?  The story of Margot will help students make the connection. The quiz will be on Friday.

In History we will wrap up our study on Geography ending with a test on Friday (postponed until Tuesday)


 


Homework
Language Arts
1) Read AR book for 30 minutes every night, reading log DUE FRIDAY
2) Just Once Flash Cards, DUE TUESDAY
3) All Summer in a Day Flash Cards, DUE THURSDAY
4) Character Traits handout, DUE THURSDAY

***Reminder:  Just Once Quiz on Tuesday, Sept 11.  All Summer in a Day Quiz on Friday, Sept. 14****

History
1) Latitude Longitude handout, DUE TUESDAY
2)  Geography Study Guide, DUE FRIDAY

***Reminder:  Geography Test on Tuesday, Sept. 18 ***


Week of September 4, 2012

This week in Language Arts we are going to explore the 5 elements of a short story: plot, characters, setting, conflict, and theme.


We will also continue our study of Geography focusing on continents, latitude/longitude, hemispheres, time zones, and map projections.  The following is an old  Animaniacs video.  Are all the countries listed still countries today? 




Homework
Language Arts
1) Read AR book for 30 minutes every night, reading log DUE FRIDAY
2) Homophones Spelling Homework, DUE FRIDAY
3) Thursday night- Study for Homophones quiz


History
1) As The World Turns handout, DUE THURSDAY
2) Latitude/Longitude (changed to next week)
3) Thursday night- Finish World Map




August 28, 2012
Welcome students and families to the 2012/2013 school year!

I am very excited about working with this new group of students.  For information related to Ms. Canavan's classes, please see the syallabi for Humanities and Technology.  There you will be able to find a full course description, homework and grading policies, and much more.  I not only teach academics at a high standard while integrating technology, but also organization, study, and life skills that will make you successful in all of your classes. 

The transition to middle school can be a stressful situation for many young people.  Students go from having one teacher to four or more.  The academic expectations are increased, and the introduction of letter grades can create added pressure.  The beginning of sixth grade is full of uncertainty, but rest assured you will not only make it through, but you will grow in confidence, independence, and excellence!

Looking forward to a great year!
Ms. Canavan