Ms. Camaya's 7th Grade

Powepoint Notes from today

2010-12-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

The opposite of literal language is figurative language. Figurative language is language that means more than what it says on the surface.

It usually gives us a feeling about its subject.

Poets use figurative language almost as frequently as literal language. When you read poetry, you must be conscious of the difference. Otherwise, a poem may make no sense at all.

Types of Figurative language

1. Imagery - Language that appeals to the senses. Descriptions of people or objects stated in terms of our senses.

2. Simile - A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as.
Example: The muscles on his brawny arms are strong as iron bands.

3. Metaphor - A figure of speech which involves an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of be. The comparison is not announced by like or as.
Example: The road was a ribbon wrapped through the desert.

4. Alliteration - Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words.
Example: She was wide-eyed and wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.

5. Personification - Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words.
Example: She was wide-eyed and wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.

6. Onomatopoeia - A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea. Example: “The wind yells while blowing."

7. Hyperbole - An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point.
Example: She’s said so on several million occasions.

8. Idioms - An idiom or idiomatic expression refers to a construction or expression in one language that cannot be matched or directly translated word-for-word in another language.
Example: We put our heads together. She has a bee in her bonnet.

Spelling Activities

2010-11-15T10:00:00.001-08:00

Spelling Homework Activities
The following list shows the spelling assignments that the students can choose from.
Choose any 3 and turn in on Friday (can be in ELA Notebook)

1. Write your spelling words in alphabetical order.
2. Write your spelling words in crayon or pen. Write each consonant letter in red and each vowel in blue.
3. Print each word. Next to it, write the word in cursive.
4. Make a set of flashcards for studying your words.
5. Write each spelling word three times.
6. Write each spelling word in a rainbow of colors. First, write the words with a red crayon. Trace over the words with a blue crayon. Finally, trace the words again with a green crayon.
7. Write your spelling words as fractions based on the number of vowels and consonants in each word.
8. Write your words with all the letters scrambled up. Then ask a parent or sibling to unscramble the words in your notebook. Correct that person’s work.
9. Write each spelling word. Next to each word, write two additional words of at least three letters that can be spelled using the letters in the word. Example: the word pickle can be used to make the words lick, pick, like, and lip.
10. Use each spelling word in a sentence.

11. Write your spelling words on cards (make two sets) and play "Memory Match" with them against a sibling or parent. (Get a parent signature in your notebook.)
12. Use a thesaurus to write a synonym for each word.
13. Make and complete a word search using www.puzzlemaker.com
14. Write a letter to a friend/relative, in proper letter format, using at least 10 of the spelling words. Underline each word.
15. Cut out letters from headlines or ads in newspapers or magazines. Use the letters to spell your spelling words. Paste the letters in your notebook.
16. Write a rap song using all of your spelling words.
17. Use ALL of your spelling words to write a short story. Your story must include all of your spelling words.
18. Use a dictionary to write a definition for each word.
19. Draw a picture of each word.
20. Act out 6 of the words on Friday.

New Class Website

2010-08-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our new class website can now be found at:

http://acamaya-7thgraderocks.webs.com/

CLICK HERE!

Welcome Back!

2010-08-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Alas, summer is over, but 7th grade is around the corner!
I'm looking forward to meeting everyone on the first day of school: Monday, August 30.

Summer Reading Assignment

2010-08-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Read The City of Ember and choose ONE of the following topics for your 1-2 page paper.
Due: August 30.

A.
People react in different ways when they feel threatened. How do the people of Ember react to danger? Have you seen people reacting to danger in these ways? How are Poppy's actions important to the plot?

B.
Doon and Lina like very different things. Doon wants to work in the Piperworks. Lina yearns to be a messenger. Their friendship grows because they are ultimately searching for the same thing. How do they compliment one another and help each other develop throughout the novel?

STAR TESTING

2010-05-04T17:23:00.000-07:00

On the Day of the Test

Listen closely to verbal directions and read carefully any instructions on the test itself.

Ask the teacher to explain any instructions you don't understand.

Scan the entire test for the types of questions and use this information to pace yourself.

Jot down memory aids, formulas, or important facts in the margins.

Answer the questions you know first and come back to the harder ones later, remembering to mark unanswered questions so they're easy to find.

Multiple Choice Test Taking Tips

Read the question before you look at the answer.

Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you.

Eliminate answers you know aren't right.

Read all the choices before choosing your answer.

If there is no guessing penalty, always take an educated guess and select an answer.

Don't keep on changing your answer, usually your first choice is the right one, unless you misread the question.

In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above".

In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer.

A positive choice is more likely to be true than a negative one.

Usually the correct answer is the choice with the most information.

Read all of the answer options, then choose the one that most closely matches her answer.

When unsure, eliminate answers that are clearly incorrect.

If forced to guess, choose the longest, most detailed answer.

State Writing Test

2010-02-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

Tuesday is the big day. Remember to stay focused and do you best. I'm confident in all of your abilities to ace the writing test.

Split Personality Self Portraits

2009-09-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

First Day of School

2009-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

WELCOME BACK TO VALLEMAR!

Rules & Procedures

2008-09-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ms. Camaya’s Checklist of Rules and Procedures
Classroom Rules

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Use appropriate language and actions.
Respect people and property.
Be honest.
Do your best at all times.

Classroom Procedures

Students will walk into classroom quietly after door is open and complete morning workout
Students will have proper book to read silently after lunch during D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read!)
Students will transition between classrooms and subjects quickly and quietly.
Students will follow directions the first time they are given.
Students will stay in their seat unless otherwise given permission.

Consequences

Name on board: Warning.
One check. Note home and Think Sheet
Two checks: Loss of Recess and/or Detention at lunch or after school
Three checks: Call home, See Principal Ng

*Severely inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in suspensions or further disciplinary action.

Rewards

“Rock On!” Raffle Ticket (Drawings every other Friday)
Praise & high fives
Positive notes/calls home
Awards
Whole class reward/movie party
Free class activity time

Welcome!

2008-09-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 7th grade!

I am excited to be back at Vallemar School to teach Language Arts and Social Studies!