Meet Mrs. Powell
My name is Jamie Powell. I teach ELA to 6th-Blue, all of 7th, and 8th grade. This school year, I am celebrating my 9th fabulous year here at Corpus Christi and my 6th year in middle school. I have 19 years of teaching experience, all within the Catholic school system. I have a B.S. in education from Texas A&M University (though I completed most of my degree at Baylor) with specializations in music and in ELA. I also have a M.S. in special education from Fort Hays State University.
My husband, Dave, my son, George, and I all live in Kansas City. Yep, you read that right! I drive all the way from and to Kansas City each day. I like to call this my "alone" time. My son is a freshman at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City this year. I'm sure your students will hear all about his adventures; he's one of my favorite topics!
I have a profound love of all things English Language Arts (ELA) related. My passion for reading and writing has made this my dream-job! I truly love watching students engage in books and learn how to write for their futures. I look forward to a wonderful year with you!
My husband, Dave, my son, George, and I all live in Kansas City. Yep, you read that right! I drive all the way from and to Kansas City each day. I like to call this my "alone" time. My son is a freshman at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City this year. I'm sure your students will hear all about his adventures; he's one of my favorite topics!
I have a profound love of all things English Language Arts (ELA) related. My passion for reading and writing has made this my dream-job! I truly love watching students engage in books and learn how to write for their futures. I look forward to a wonderful year with you!
What Do We Do In ELA?
ELA students in grades 6-8 will study fiction and non-fiction literature with an in-depth focus on comprehension, style, structure, purpose, literary devices (alliteration, symbolism, hyperbole, etc), and a wide range of other skills using novels, textbooks, magazines, and a medley of other sources. Students will also create written pieces on an assortment of topics and study the different parts of speech and other grammar skills. Students will also work on Project Based Learning studies to foster a cohesive middle school environment and model the works of Jesus for our school community.
Tips for Surviving Middle School...
1. ORGANIZATION is KEY! Find a system that works for you! Personally, I love folders and accordion files.
2. Stay on top of your work load! Missing work can be a real bear. Calendars & planners are a great tool.
3. Take notes in class! Seriously, take notes.
4. Study for tests! Use your study guides. Make a study guide. Use Google to find quizzes. Check out Kahoot and Quizzlet. Look at old graded work.
5. ASK QUESTIONS! Teachers are here for a reason; we love to show how smart we are. We love to help. It's why we are here!!!
6. Seriously, study for tests...
7. Keep track of the books you read. I offer extra credit opportunities!
8. And seriously, study for tests...
2. Stay on top of your work load! Missing work can be a real bear. Calendars & planners are a great tool.
3. Take notes in class! Seriously, take notes.
4. Study for tests! Use your study guides. Make a study guide. Use Google to find quizzes. Check out Kahoot and Quizzlet. Look at old graded work.
5. ASK QUESTIONS! Teachers are here for a reason; we love to show how smart we are. We love to help. It's why we are here!!!
6. Seriously, study for tests...
7. Keep track of the books you read. I offer extra credit opportunities!
8. And seriously, study for tests...
Here's What We Are Doing This Week...
Homework will be posted daily for each class.
Class Key:
6B=Sixth Grade-BLUE
7B=Seventh Grade-BLUE
7G=Seventh Grade-GOLD
8=Eighth Grade
"GC" means Google Classroom
LINK TO DIGITAL "FIX & SIGN" FORM
LINK TO READING TEXTBOOK
LINK TO GOOGLE CLASSROOM (GC)
LINK TO NO RED INK
LINK TO VOCABULARY.COM
LINK TO COMMON LIT
LINK TO READWORKS
LINK TO KHAN ACADEMY
**Happy Summer! Spend your break having fun! I am leaving my extra credit book projects on the site in case you want to get a head start on next year. I can't wait to see you!!!!!
Tests & Quizzes
Upcoming quizzes for each grade:
Each class will have a weekly quiz on vocabulary skills.
Advanced notice will be given for chapter and unit tests.
Students can also expect quizzes over assigned readings.
*While completing novel studies, vocab quizzes will not be as regular.
See google classroom for lists
6B Vocabulary List: see google classroom for list--no list
7B & 7G Vocabulary List: see google classroom for list--no list
8 Vocabulary List: see google classroom for list--no list
Upcoming tests for each grade:
Mark Your Calendars!
Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!
Extra Credit Opportunities For ELA
NOTE: If you elected to complete an extra credit project for the first quarter and will complete extra credit for the 2nd quarter, you must select a new project(s). For example, if you completed a power point presentation for the first quarter, you can not choose a power point presentation for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th quarters.
Keep reading to see how you can earn extra credit in Mrs. Powell's class...
You will receive a grade on the QUALITY of your product, as well as the CONTENT in relation to the FIVE STORY ELEMENTS, which are briefly defined below. Remember to include the title, author, and genre of the book, as well.
FIVE STORY ELEMENTS:
Plot: What the story is about.
Setting: Where and when the story takes place
Characters – What is the main character(s) like, and how do they change throughout the book?
Climax /Turning Point – The most exciting part of the book. This is usually where the book’s problem is solved.
Theme – The moral or lesson of the story. What does the author want you to learn from the book?
OPTIONS:
Newspaper (maximum of 10 points)- Look at the format of a newspaper. You are to "write" mini-articles and place them in your newspaper. Each article is to provide information about the five story elements, as well as your opinion and recommendations for others to read this book. Include in your newspaper - Headings, bi-lines, advertisements, pictures, rows and columns. Try to make this look as real as possible. This could be done on the computer. If it is hand-written, use your best penmanship. (A newspaper should be at least 3 pages front and back.)
Photo Album/Scrap Book (maximum of 10 points)- Create a photo album to show the five elements of the story. Each picture MUST have a caption. You may use a digital camera and stage pictures for the album, you may draw and color pictures, or you may create a collage type picture by cutting out people, places, and things that demonstrate the plot and main ideas in the story. (This should be at least 8 pages long) Don't forget to include a cover as well as dedication or title page (WITH YOUR NAME ON IT).
Make a movie or Movie Review (maximum of 20 points) - Here is an opportunity for the director and actor in all of us. You will have to cast, direct, act (optional) and produce a segment of the story. The objective is for us, the viewer to gain a good idea of what the story is about and become interested in wanting to read the story. You do not have to act in this production but you are responsible of all of the other elements of this project. IF you can not get actors and are still interested in making a movie, you can set up a talk show type setting and you may review the book. You will be describing the plot, characters, setting, climax, and theme of the story to the viewers. This will be shown in class. You must type up a BRIEF description of each of the 5 story elements to hand in with this assignment.
Infomercial (maximum of 20 points)- Your task is to write and star in your own infomercial to explain the five story elements. The point of an infomercial is to sell a product (the book), but in an interesting way. You must include: title & author, summary of the plot, setting, description of the main characters. Things that make a good infomercial are: an overexcited host, outrageous statements and claims, testimonials. The infomercial must be recorded and we will watch it in class.
Write a song and perform it (maximum of 15 points) - For the musical person. Write a song to explain the five story elements. It could be helpful if you think of a particular song that you already know and change the words. It is possible to perform this at home and record it so we can play it in class and enjoy your creative side. You will be required to turn in a copy of the lyrics. (Since this is very challenging, extra credit will be awarded for the attempt-not your musical ability.)
PowerPoint summary (maximum of 5 points) - Create a power point presentation to EXPLAIN the five story elements and your opinions / recommendations for this book. This should be at least 8 slides long. We will view this in class.
Collage (maximum of 10 points)- This project is for the artist in everyone. Draw or cut and paste pictures that recreate the story to explain the five story elements. Included in this work of art, you must do more than retell the story. You must explain the five story elements in captions under the pictures.
Book Jacket (maximum of 5 points) - Includes general information, summary, direct quotes from characters. Can be done on computer or drawn by hand. ALL color - very minimal white space. Remember to explain the five story elements.
Series of cartoon or old fashioned film slides (maximum of 10 points) - (minimum 4) This is also for the artist and the project must recreate the climax of the story. You must also include a 1 page paper to explain the five story elements.
Advertisement (maximum of 5 points) - create an advertisement, either for a newspaper, magazine, radio, or television that would be used to present to a committee you are trying to sell the book to. Remember to explain the five story elements.
POP-UP book or detailed flip book, a children's version of the book you read (maximum of 15 points) - Remember to explain the five story elements.
Travel Brochure (maximum of 10 points) - create a brochure that advertises for people to visit the setting from your story. Remember to showcase the wonderful sights and people. You must also include a 1 page paper to explain the five story elements.
* You are allowed to complete 2 options per quarter. (Each project must be for a different book.) You cannot repeat options in different quarters (i.e.-whatever project you completed in 2nd quarter cannot be chosen again in 3rd quarter).
* All books are subject to teacher approval and must be on a middle school reading level.
* In order to receive the extra credit, ALL DIRECTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED! If you only complete some of the assignment, NO POINTS will be awarded.
* You may select which subject you wish your extra credit to be applied to (Reading or Language). Points may not be broken up among the subjects. For example, if you want extra credit for Reading and Writing you must complete 2 different activities for 2 different books.
You will receive a grade on the QUALITY of your product, as well as the CONTENT in relation to the FIVE STORY ELEMENTS, which are briefly defined below. Remember to include the title, author, and genre of the book, as well.
FIVE STORY ELEMENTS:
Plot: What the story is about.
Setting: Where and when the story takes place
Characters – What is the main character(s) like, and how do they change throughout the book?
Climax /Turning Point – The most exciting part of the book. This is usually where the book’s problem is solved.
Theme – The moral or lesson of the story. What does the author want you to learn from the book?
OPTIONS:
Newspaper (maximum of 10 points)- Look at the format of a newspaper. You are to "write" mini-articles and place them in your newspaper. Each article is to provide information about the five story elements, as well as your opinion and recommendations for others to read this book. Include in your newspaper - Headings, bi-lines, advertisements, pictures, rows and columns. Try to make this look as real as possible. This could be done on the computer. If it is hand-written, use your best penmanship. (A newspaper should be at least 3 pages front and back.)
Photo Album/Scrap Book (maximum of 10 points)- Create a photo album to show the five elements of the story. Each picture MUST have a caption. You may use a digital camera and stage pictures for the album, you may draw and color pictures, or you may create a collage type picture by cutting out people, places, and things that demonstrate the plot and main ideas in the story. (This should be at least 8 pages long) Don't forget to include a cover as well as dedication or title page (WITH YOUR NAME ON IT).
Make a movie or Movie Review (maximum of 20 points) - Here is an opportunity for the director and actor in all of us. You will have to cast, direct, act (optional) and produce a segment of the story. The objective is for us, the viewer to gain a good idea of what the story is about and become interested in wanting to read the story. You do not have to act in this production but you are responsible of all of the other elements of this project. IF you can not get actors and are still interested in making a movie, you can set up a talk show type setting and you may review the book. You will be describing the plot, characters, setting, climax, and theme of the story to the viewers. This will be shown in class. You must type up a BRIEF description of each of the 5 story elements to hand in with this assignment.
Infomercial (maximum of 20 points)- Your task is to write and star in your own infomercial to explain the five story elements. The point of an infomercial is to sell a product (the book), but in an interesting way. You must include: title & author, summary of the plot, setting, description of the main characters. Things that make a good infomercial are: an overexcited host, outrageous statements and claims, testimonials. The infomercial must be recorded and we will watch it in class.
Write a song and perform it (maximum of 15 points) - For the musical person. Write a song to explain the five story elements. It could be helpful if you think of a particular song that you already know and change the words. It is possible to perform this at home and record it so we can play it in class and enjoy your creative side. You will be required to turn in a copy of the lyrics. (Since this is very challenging, extra credit will be awarded for the attempt-not your musical ability.)
PowerPoint summary (maximum of 5 points) - Create a power point presentation to EXPLAIN the five story elements and your opinions / recommendations for this book. This should be at least 8 slides long. We will view this in class.
Collage (maximum of 10 points)- This project is for the artist in everyone. Draw or cut and paste pictures that recreate the story to explain the five story elements. Included in this work of art, you must do more than retell the story. You must explain the five story elements in captions under the pictures.
Book Jacket (maximum of 5 points) - Includes general information, summary, direct quotes from characters. Can be done on computer or drawn by hand. ALL color - very minimal white space. Remember to explain the five story elements.
Series of cartoon or old fashioned film slides (maximum of 10 points) - (minimum 4) This is also for the artist and the project must recreate the climax of the story. You must also include a 1 page paper to explain the five story elements.
Advertisement (maximum of 5 points) - create an advertisement, either for a newspaper, magazine, radio, or television that would be used to present to a committee you are trying to sell the book to. Remember to explain the five story elements.
POP-UP book or detailed flip book, a children's version of the book you read (maximum of 15 points) - Remember to explain the five story elements.
Travel Brochure (maximum of 10 points) - create a brochure that advertises for people to visit the setting from your story. Remember to showcase the wonderful sights and people. You must also include a 1 page paper to explain the five story elements.
* You are allowed to complete 2 options per quarter. (Each project must be for a different book.) You cannot repeat options in different quarters (i.e.-whatever project you completed in 2nd quarter cannot be chosen again in 3rd quarter).
* All books are subject to teacher approval and must be on a middle school reading level.
* In order to receive the extra credit, ALL DIRECTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED! If you only complete some of the assignment, NO POINTS will be awarded.
* You may select which subject you wish your extra credit to be applied to (Reading or Language). Points may not be broken up among the subjects. For example, if you want extra credit for Reading and Writing you must complete 2 different activities for 2 different books.