- Ryan Gloyer Middle School
- Mrs. Loewy's Purpose Blog
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Scenario Time!
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 9/11/2017(I am re-posting this because it is that time of year again!)
It is time to begin planning the independent study projects, also known as scenarios! This year, all of my students will create and individualize their guidelines. Selecting a topic and planning a project can be a daunting task, so I have provided some directions and a template. Directions and TemplateHaving difficulty selecting a topic? Think about these questions:- If I took you to Barnes and Noble and left you alone and came back 20 minutes later, where would I find you? What would you be reading?
- If you could design your own class at school, what would be taught?
- How do you like to fill your time?
I will conference with each student as drafts are completed. It may take a few weeks to finalize the guidelines, but it is important to create a good plan for such a large project. -
Scenario Time!
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 9/8/2014(I am re-posting this because it is that time of year again!)It is time to begin planning the independent study projects, also known as scenarios! This year, all of my students will create and individualize their guidelines. Selecting a topic and planning a project can be a daunting task, so I have provided some directions and a template. Directions and TemplateHaving difficulty selecting a topic? Think about these questions:- If I took you to Barnes and Noble and left you alone and came back 20 minutes later, where would I find you? What would you be reading?
- If you could design your own class at school, what would be taught?
- How do you like to fill your time?
I will conference with each student as drafts are completed. It may take a few weeks to finalize the guidelines, but it is important to create a good plan for such a large project. -
New Opportunities
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 12/12/2013This year has brought the opportunity to try some new activities. One that has especially impacted my thinking is the "Hour of Code" created to teach computer coding basics to every student. I have offered three workshops this week which provided tutorials in coding for every level of experience. All of the students who joined the workshop have successfully completed an activity. It has been exciting to see them apply problem-solving skills independently and learn something completely new and different for many of them. -
News and updates
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 10/23/2012Scenario work is well underway! Students are finding great sources through interlibrary loan and the Britannica database available through the school library. A number of students have signed up for the English Festival and Mathcounts, but we probably won't have enough students to make a team for eCybermission. I am looking, however, to start a computer programming/game making group for homeroom time. In class, the new book is Bless the Beasts and Children. This book will challenge readers in a variety of different ways and will fuel some interesting discussions in the coming weeks. -
Extra Enrichment
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 9/28/2012We are off to a good start! The Purpose classes have reviewed literary concepts and are reading the memoir October Sky. Touchstones discussions have been very impressive so far, and scenarios are taking shape. Students in Pull-out this semester have written plans for their scenarios and surveyed sources to use.We will again be offering extra enrichment activities, including English Festival and Mathcounts. Details will follow as we begin sign-ups for the teams. I am working on a few other ideas, as well, and hope to be able to offer some more opportunities this year. -
Welcome Back, 8th graders!
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 8/29/2012It was wonderful to see my new students in class yesterday. The first day went smoothly for me, and it seemed as though the 8th graders transitioned nicely. I look forward to working with this group as we tackle new challenges with literature, Touchstones, and scenario. For those students I did not see because you have class next semester, I will meet you next week to talk about pull-out. I wish everyone a successful and rewarding school year. -
Welcome, Owls!
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 2/2/2012It's the start of the 2nd semester, and that means my teams have flip-flopped. Owls now begin the class portion of the year. We will start by reviewing and sharpening our understanding of some literary concepts and learn about our language and how we will study vocabulary this semester. Soon the first book will be assigned, along with an activity to encourage meaningful discussion. I look forward to a great semester in class and to seeing my Hawks each week during pull-out. -
Our Last Week...
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 1/20/2012As the semester nears its end, we are wrapping up our Hawks' Purpose classes with a review of the root words learned throughout the semester, a visual imagery / critical thinking / application activity that will challenge everyone, a Roots Relay final exam, and a character party. I know I will miss the outstanding discussions and many good laughs our groups have had! Of course, I am excited, too, to welcome my Owls to class. -
January news
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 1/10/2012It's January, and lots of things are happening! We have begun the last work of the semester, a short story by Graham Greene. With this story, students will have the chance to show all of the analytical skills practiced over the course of the semester. The Roots Relay final will be on January 27; all students should be reviewing their roots. Scenario work is in full swing, and I checked logs to make sure everyone is making adequate progress. -
The world is just one big whirligig...
Posted by Meagan Loewy on 12/20/2011 12:00:00 PMWe have just finished the novel Whiligig. This novel provided a wealth of discussion topics and an opportunity to learn a new plot structure. The next time you watch Finding Nemo or The Lord of the Rings, ask your child about the plot structure. And our discussion of how "All the world is one great big whiriligig" would provide interesting dinner conversation. The final component of this unit is the actual building of a whirligig to honor or memorialize someone important. Directions are found on the homework page.Happy Holidays!