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Sandy Sheaffer

Sandy Sheaffer

My name is Sandy Sheaffer. This is my 6th year at NMS!  Previously, I taught 8th grade English at Brink Junior High in Moore, but I'm thrilled to be the 6th or 7th grade reading and accelerated reading teacher this year at Newcastle and I love it!  I received my MBA from SNU.  I am also a minister.  I have 2 sons and 1 daughter.  My daughter is also a teacher at NMS.  I have the cutest 4 grandchildren in the world!  When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing piano, singing, eating, shopping, reading, and swimming!  I also love to travel and have been on numerous mission trips - 19 of them to Africa!  I have also authored 3 books.  My door is always open for students to come before or after school to make-up missed assignments or for extra help or  tutoring. 

Let's make it a great year!

Schedule

 1st hour- Plan
 2nd hour- 7th Reading
 3rd hour- 7th Reading
 lunch 7th Grade
 4th hour 7th Reading
5th hour- 7th Reading
6th hour- 7th Accel. Reading
7th hour- 6th Reading

Book Reports and Due Dates for the year 2021-2022

Due dates:



This list and the dates are always subject to change. Each book report is different and instructions will be passed out approximately one week before due date.   Updated Nov 14, 2022
 
 
 

Dates                                                   Genre                                   Book Report due 

August 11 – September 15                       Fiction                                            September 14 

September 17 – October 13                             Non-Fiction                                    October 12  

October 14 – November 10                            Historical Fiction                             November 9      

November 11 – December 15                   Your choice                                     December 14

January 4 – February 2                                    Mystery                                          February 1      

February 3 – March 2                                      Biography/Autobiography             March 1  

March 3 – March 30                                        Your choice                                    March 29  

March 31 – April 27                                        To be determined                            April 26   

April 28 – May 11                                           Poetry                                             May 10 

Daily Bell Work

WOW Journal for 7th Grade 2022-2023 Year-long Project

WOW (Writing on Wednesday) Journal Year-long Project

Sheaffer - Writing on Wed Book Grading 2022-23 - 500 pts.
IMPORTANT:  Subject to change at any time!!!!
Updated 2-8-2023
1a) 8-9:  Who I Am paper
1b) 08-17:  Me – 7 sentences about yourself
2) 08-24:  The dumbest thing I ever did (3 paragraphs) 1st para: What
I did, 2nd para: Why I did it, 3rd paragraph: What I learned.
3) 8-31: My name has/has not affected who I am. (2 paragraphs)
4) 9-7: Is Jonas living in a Utopia? Why? Why not? (2 paragraphs):
5) 9-14:The best book I have read in the past year. (3 paras) 1st & 2nd 
para: what I read (book summary), 3rd para: why I liked it. (3 Paras)
6) 9-21:  Ah-ha Moment from NMS (2 paragraphs)
7) 9-28: The truth of the matter is you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it. 2 paragraphs
8) 10-05: Find an article from newspaper or internet. Write a 3 paragraph essay on a current hot topic.  Attach article with citation to WOW. 
9)10-12: Veteran’s Day 2 Patriotic Cinquain Poems – 1 Poem with Pattern A = (Line 1: 1 word, Line 2: 2 words, Line 3: 3 words, Line 4: 4 words, Line 5: 1 word) . 1 Poem with Pattern B = (Line 1: 1 noun, Line 2: 2 adjectives, Line 3: 3 "ing" words, Line 4: a 4 word phrase, Line 5: Another word for the noun on line 1) Add to WOW 
10)  10-19:  What American Means to Me (3 paragraphs)  
11) .10-26: Best Halloween Experience (2 paragraphs)
12)  11-02: What is Bullying?  Have I been bullied?  Have I bullied someone else?  Have I watched someone get bullied?  How can we stop it?  (3 paragraphs)
13)  11-09:  Why I am thankful for my Dad/Guardian. (3 paragraphs)
14)  11-15: Why I am thankful for my Mom/Guardian. (3 paras)
15)  11-15:  THANKS acrostic & 1 para. using the following vocabulary: oven, turkey, thankful, pie, pumpkin, stuffing, table, fortunate, happy, dinner.  PRE-AP Reading: THANKSGIVING acrostic worksheet and 2 paragraphs using the same vocab.
TURN IN:  11-17:Turn in WOW journal for 1st semester WOW grade = 200 points.
16) 11-30: My Christmas Wish List for the World (3 paragraphs) 
17) 12-07: What I want & what I’m doing for Christmas (3 para)
18) 12-14: Parent/Guardian Christmas letters completed
19) 1-04-23: My Goals for 2021 (3+ paragraphs) 
20) 1-11:  Your Choice - we were virtual (3 paragraphs)   
21) 1-18:  Why MLK's "I Have A Dream" Speech was and still is so powerful (3 paragraphs)
21a)  1-25:  - What I Got for Xmas & What I Did Over Break & Parents Reaction to Christmas Letters (2 paragraphs)  
22) 2-1:  If you received a large sum of money today, what would you do with it? (1 paragraph with 7 sentences) 
23)  2-8:  2 Haiku Poems - 1 titled (your name) and 1 titled NMS
24)  2-15:  Write a 3 paragraph essay on My Favorite Valentine 
25)  2-22:  2 paragraphs on why English, Reading, & Grammar is important
26) 3-01:  Sonnet Poem - 14 lines, 10 syllables per lines using iambic pentameter and certain rhyme scheme & volta
27) 3-08:  Poetry- All turned in - Haiku Me & Your Country, Free Verse Poem on Loss, Sonnet, &  Limerick 
28)  3-08:  Chronological Day – 10 events, 2 other people, 3 feeling/mood, 3 settings (PreAP: 20 events, 4 people, 4 feelings, 4 settings) 
29) 3-15: No assignment – Spring Break
30) 3-22: 2-3 things that make you special and whether or not you like it! (3 paragraphs)
31) 03-29: What are some things you worry about. 3 Paragraphs
32) 04-05: Ah-ha Moment from NMS (using this year’s teachers) (1-2 paras)
33) 04-12: Why it’s hard being a 7th grader? (3 para) 
34) 04-19:  How I’m feeling at the end of 7thgrade. (3 paragraphs)
4-27-2022:   WOW JOURNAL (500 points) due date
35) Extra:  Current hot topic.  3 paragraphs
36) Extra:  Your choice topic.  3 paragraphs
37)   Extra:  Your choice topic or Is College necessary for success?  Why/Why not?.  3 paragraphs
Remember:  Accelerated courses paragraphs are minimum 7 sentences each and Regular classes are minimum 5 sentences per paragraph.
_____ paragraphs = ___________ points
_____sentences = _____________points      =  _________/500 points total

Historical Fiction Book Report

Name: _______________________________________________________ Date:___________________________

Historical Fiction

Story Quilt

Can you think of any objects that have special meaning to you?  Do they remind you of a person or an important event?  Now, think about the historical fiction book that you read.  Were there any significant objects in the story? _________________________ 

In literature, these objects are called symbols.  They are symbolic of something important.  For this project, you’ll make a quilt that shows four (or more for Accelerated Reading) symbols from the book. 

MATERIALS - large square sheet of white construction paper, ruler, markers or colored pencils, scissors, construction or wrapping paper (optional)

DIRECTIONS 

     1  Find a historical fiction book that interests you, is an appropriate reading level, and have it approved by the teacher.

Book Title: _____________________________________________________  Approved:  _____________________

Author: _____________________________________________________

        2   Measure and draw light pencil lines to divide the white paper square into thirds across and lengthwise.  This will create nine equal squares for your paper quilt.  We will do this together in class.  

   
   
   

        3    Look through your book to help you remember objects that were important to the story.  These objects should represent something significant, like a person or an event.  List at least six of them below. 

Name: __________________________________________________________________ Date:____________________________________

        4    Circle four objects from the list that you would like to include on your quilt.  Sketch each object in a box below.

        5    Write a few sentences explaining why each object is important.  What does it symbolize or represent?  Revise your sentences on a separate sheet of paper.

    6   Locate the four squares in the corners of the quilt.  Draw one object in each square.  Leave room in the same square to copy your sentences about the object. It is a good idea to draw and write in pencil first and then trace over it with pen or thin marker.

      7   Write the title and author of the book in the center square.

      8  Cut the wrapping paper into squares that are the same size as those on the quilt. Glue a wrapping paper square in each of the blank squares. (If wrapping paper is not available, cut squares of colored paper OR draw simple patterns or designs in the blank squares.)

Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Date:______________________________

Fantasy

Travel Brochure Instructions:

Objective: Students choose an interesting setting from their book and create a travel brochure that advertises this place.

Show students several travel brochures and discuss the kinds of information presented in each. If possible, show brochures for large cities and small towns. Ask students to describe the writing style. How are the brochures designed to attract tourists? Challenge students to think of additional information that these brochures could have included to appeal to visitors.

Students first describe the setting of the book. If there is more than one setting, have them choose the most interesting one. Students brainstorm the attractions in this place, thinking about what the characters do there for fun.

If students are stuck, help them think of ways to creatively advertise a place that might not offer as much to do. Is it a place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet? Explain that students can use events from the book in their brochures—for example, tourists could visit the famous white picket fence in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Show students how to fold a sheet of paper into thirds to create their brochure. Before they begin their final draft, have them plan what they will write and draw. Encourage students to be creative as they think of ways to advertise this setting. The less tourist attractions a place offers, the more creative students can be in finding a way to advertise it.

Make a travel display with the brochures, and invite students to read their classmates’ work. If you would like students to present their brochures, have them plan a short two-minute commercial for their setting.

GUIDELINES

Travel Brochure Do you think tourists would enjoy visiting the setting of the book you read? What attractions would they find in this place? What could they do for entertainment? What could they see and learn about? Imagine that you work for a travel agency and you have been asked to design a brochure to advertise this place. (If your book has more than one setting, choose the most unusual and interesting one.)

markers or colored pencils, 8 1 2- by 11-inch plain white paper (or larger)

Find a science fiction or fantasy book that interests you and is at an appropriate reading level for you. Have your book approved by your teacher.

Book Title: _____________________________________________________

Author: _____________________________________________________

Describe the setting (time and place) of the book. If the book is set in more than one place, describe the most interesting or unusual one.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What activities do the characters do here for fun? What places are there to visit? What is there to learn about?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DIRECTIONS

Does this seem like an interesting place to visit? Why or why not?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hold a sheet paper horizontally and fold the paper in thirds to form a brochure. First, fold the third on the right. Then fold the third on the left.

On the front flap of the brochure, write the name of the place. If it does not have a specific name in the book, make up a name that sounds interesting. Illustrate the front flap with one or two of the main attractions of this place. You might add a sentence or two to entice travelers to read your brochure. Write the title and author somewhere on the front of the brochure.

Plan the inside of the brochure before you begin writing or drawing. Include as many attractions as you can. Write reasons that travelers would want to visit each attraction. If there is not a lot to see or do in this setting, be creative and think about how you could make this place sound appealing to tourists.

On the back panel, write a few paragraphs to provide any additional information that might persuade travelers to visit. Also explain interesting events from the book that took place in this setting.

At the bottom, write “For additional information on (name of place), contact (your name).”

Book Title: _______________________________________________________________

Comments: This 3 page completed paper must be turned in with the brochure.

RUBRIC

Grade yourself: POSSIBLE POINTS POINTS EARNED

Was your book approved on time? 5 ____________________________

Did you hand in your project on time? 10 ____________________________

Did you complete steps 2–4 on the directions sheet? 10 ____________________________

Did you complete each part of your brochure? 30 ____________________________

Is your brochure neat, colorful, and attractive? 10 ____________________________

Did you include thoughtful and convincing information? 25 ____________________________

Are the spelling, punctuation, and grammar correct? 10 ____________________________

Total Points and possible grade earned: ____________________________

Completed by: _________________________________________ Date: _____________

BIOGRAPHY OR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BOOK REPORT:

 

BOOK TITLE: ____________________________________________________________________

Author: __________________________________________________________________________

Biography of ______________________________________________________________________

Publisher ___________________________________________ Copyright year ________________

Early years: Write what you have learned about the person’s early years. 100+ words _____(5 points) How did these childhood experiences influence the person’s achievements as an adult? 100+ words _____(5 points):  _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What were this person’s main accomplishments? List at least four. 200+ words _____(40 points): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Describe at least two of the goals of this person (5 points): __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do you think this person was successful? 50+ words (5 points) Why or why not? 50 words ______(5 points): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What factors (at least two) influenced this person’s achievements? (5 points): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What influence did this person have on the community, the country, or the world? _____(15 points – 100+ words): ______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is your opinion of this person’s life and accomplishments?  _____(15 points – 100+ words): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Around the World 4-Square Project:

Paragraph 1:

· Inside of folder

· Station 1

· Station 2

· Station 13

Paragraph 2:

· Station 3

· Station 4

· Station 5

· Station 11

Paragraph 3:

· People are called _______________________________

· Station 6

· Station 7

· Station 12

Paragraph 4:

· Station 8

· Station 9

· Station 14

Paragraph 5:

· Station 10 – current event

· Closing “over-all” statement about your country

Around the World Project 5 Paragraph Paper:

Paragraph 1:

· Inside of folder – use this info to write about the location and contingent of your country

· Station 1 - Population

· Station 2 – Ethnic groups and percentages in your country

· Station 13 – Landforms and terrain (optional)

Paragraph 2:

· Station 3 – Government/Type/Leader(s)

· Station 4 – Literacy/GNI

· Station 5 – Natural Resources/# Import & #1 Export Partners

· Station 11 – Time Zone (optional)

Paragraph 3:

· People are called _______________________________

· Station 6 – Customs of the people, including the language(s)

· Station 7 – Main and minority religions and percentages

· Station 12 – Labor Force (optional)

Paragraph 4:

· Station 8 – Points of interest & details about each place

· Station 9 – Crime and what to do about it

· Station 14 – Climate and clothing (optional)

Paragraph 5:

· Station 10 – current event

· Closing “over-all” statement about your country

Retelling Book Report

 A Retelling

Name_______________________  Title________________________Author____________

A retelling is a brief summary of what a book is about.  It includes the main events or key points of the story.  In a retelling, these main events should be told in chronological order.  Characters, settings, problems, and solutions should be included in the retelling.  The summary should be 5 paragraphs with a minimum of 5 sentences per paragraph.

Rubric for grading will consist of the following:

Characters                                                                              5 points

Setting (using imagery)                                                         5 points

Problem                                                                                 5 points

Solution                                                                                 5 points

Main events or key points:

1.     1.                                                                                         5 points

2.     2.                                                                                         5 points

3.     3.                                                                                          5 points

4.     4.                                                                                         5 points

5.     5.                                                                                        5 points

My retelling:

1.    Paragraph 1 – Introduction to the story                           5 points

2.    Paragraph 2                                                                      5 points

3.    Paragraph 3                                                                      5 points

4.    Paragraph 4                                                                      5 points

5.    Paragraph 5 Conclusion include solution                        5 points

Use best grammar/spelling practices                                subtract 1 point each

Important:  Turn in this completed page with your retelling.

WOW Journal for 6th Grade 2022-2023 Year-long Project

WOW for 6th grade Reading Class 2022-2023
 
  1. 8-19-22:  1-2 paragraphs on:  “(Your Name)” - tell me about yourself.  Minimum 7 sentences
  2. 8-24-22:  3 paragraphs:  The dumbest thing I ever did! 1st para:  What I did (use main idea); 2nd:  Why I did it (give details); 3rd:  What I learned (strong conclusion)
  3. 8-31-22:  2 paragraphs:  How did you feel when White Fang lost his mother?  How would you have handled it?  Have you ever lost anyone you cared deeply for?  
  4. 9-8-22:  2 paragraphs on:  Write 2 paragraphs in your composition notebook on:  Discuss the use of a third-person omniscient narrator in White Fang. What are the advantages and disadvantages to this narrative style?
  5. 9-14-22:  2 paragraphs on The Best Day you have had at NMS so far.
  6. 9-21-22:  2 paragraphs: A friend situation that changed over only one day or your best friend.
  7. 9-28-22:  2 paragraphs: Write about how it feels when you're alone.
  8. 10-5-22:  2 paragraphs on a current hot topic
  9. 10-12-22:   Veteran’s Day 2 Patriotic Cinquain Poems – 1 with Pattern A =  Line 1: 1 word; Line 2: 2 words; Line 3: 3 words; Line 4: 4 words or a 4 word phrase; Line 5: 1 word to describe line 1 or synonym.  Write a second poem with Pattern B = Line 1: 1 noun, Line 2: 2 adjectives, Line 3: 3 "ing" words, Line 4:  a 4-word phrase,  Line 5: Another word for the noun on line 1.
  10. 10-19-22:   3 paragraphs on If I were President.
  11. 10-25-22:   1 paragraph on Best Halloween/Holiday
  12. 11-1-22:   3 paragraphs on Do We have a bullying problem at NMS?  If so, how do we stop it?
  13. 11-8-22:   3 paragraphs on Why I’m Thankful for my mom and dad.
  14. 11-15-22: