Please visit my Google Classroom for up-to-date class information, including assignments and due dates. Please email me if you have any questions (mmendes@islandparkschools.org).

Welcome to Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

HMH Secure Link

Below is HMH link for Read 180 & System 44

HMH

Announcements

  • Friday - June 12, 2020

    Important Update: The deadline for submitting assignments has been extended to Friday, June 12 at 12:00pm. No assignments will be accepted after the deadline. 

    The assignment for today, June 12, is:

    1. Make up any missing assignments:
    • Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.
    • Complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:
      • Cause and Effect
      • Main Idea
      • Making Inferences
      • Text Structures Part 1 
      • Text Structure Part 2
    1. Freewrite Friday!
    • Spend at least 15 minutes writing about a topic of your choice. Some possible topics are:
      • a personal narrative about a moment in your life
      • an informational piece on a topic that you know a lot about
      • a fictional story that shows your creative side 
    • While you are writing, challenge yourself! Try to “flash draft” for the entire 15 minutes. Don’t worry about “getting it right”. Instead try to write down as many of your ideas as possible.
    • Have fun and happy writing!
    1. Independent Reading:
    • Read an independent reading book of your own, on MyON, or the independent reading section of Read 180 for 15 minutes. 
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you
    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Thursday - June 11, 2020

    Important Update: The deadline for submitting assignments has been extended to Friday, June 12 at 12:00pm. No assignments will be accepted after the deadline. 

    The assignment for today, June 11, is:

    1. Scattergories! 

    • Strengthen your vocabulary by trying to think of words that start with the assigned letter for each of the 12 categories. 
    • For example, if the assigned letter is "C" and the category is “vegetable” words such as "cauliflower" and "carrot" are acceptable answers, but "broccoli" is not (wrong letter), nor is "candy" (wrong category).
    • This assignment should be completed on the document, which was shared on Google Classroom.

    2. Independent Reading:

    • Read an independent reading book of your own, on MyON, or the independent reading section of Read 180 for 15 minutes. 
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences
    • Text Structures Part 1 
    • Text Structure Part 2

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Wednesday - June 10, 2020

    It’s a Wonderful Wednesday!

    Reminder: Today is the last day to submit assignments. No assignments will be accepted after today!

    The assignment for today, June 10, is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences
    • Text Structures Part 1 
    • Text Structure Part 2

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Tuesday - June 9, 2020

    It’s a Terrific Tuesday!

    Reminder: 5th Grade ELA Lab Google Meet - TODAY, Tuesday 6/9, at 12:00PM 

    • Please visit our Google Classroom five minutes before to join (this is where the link will be posted)
    • I expect 100% attendance and can’t wait to see everyone!

     

    The assignment for today, June 9, is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    *  The last day to submit assignments is June 10th. No assignments will be accepted after this date. 

    ** Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    ****If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences
    • Text Structures Part 1 
    • Text Structure Part 2


    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Monday - June 8, 2020

    It’s a Magnificent Monday!

    The assignment for today, June 8 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you
    •  

    *  The last day to submit assignments is June 10th. No assignments will be accepted after this date. 

    ** Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    ****If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences
    • Text Structures Part 1 
    • Text Structure Part 2

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

     

    Upcoming: 

    Tuesday - June 9, 2020

    • 5th Grade ELA Lab - Google Meet at 12:00pm 
      • I will post the link for the Google Meet a few minutes before on our Google Classroom
      • I am looking forward to seeing my 5th graders :) 

     

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Friday - June 5, 2020

    It’s a Fabulous Friday!

    The assignment for Today, Friday, May 29 is:

    1. Text Structures Part 2 - EdPuzzle Interactive Video:
    • This lesson will become accessible on Google Classroom at 8:30 am
    • As you are watching, questions will pop up. Please answer these questions and use your strategies.  

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences
    • Text Structures Part 1

    ***  The last day to submit assignments is June 10th. No assignments will be accepted after this date. 

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily

     

    Upcoming: 

    Tuesday - June 9, 2020

    • 5th Grade ELA Lab - Google Meet at 12:00pm 
      • I will post the link for the Google Meet a few minutes before on our Google Classroom
      • I am looking forward to seeing my 5th graders :) 
    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Thursday - June 4, 2020

    The assignment for Thursday, May 28 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences
    • Text Structures Part 1 

    ***  The last day to submit assignments is June 10th. No assignments will be accepted after this date. 

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Wednesday - June 3, 2020

    It’s a Wonderful Wednesday!

    The assignment for Today, June 3 is:

    1. Text Structures Part 1 - EdPuzzle Interactive Video:
    • This lesson will become accessible on Google Classroom on Wednesday, June 3, at 8:30 am
    • As you are watching, questions will pop up. Please answer these questions and use your strategies. 

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences

    ***  The last day to submit assignments is June 10th. No assignments will be accepted after this date. 

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Tuesday - June 2, 2020

    Happy Tuesday!

    Reminder: 6th Grade ELA Lab Google Meet - TODAY, Tuesday 6/2, at 12:00PM 

    • Please visit our Google Classroom five minutes before to join (this is where the link will be posted)
    • I expect 100% attendance and can’t wait to see everyone!

    The assignment for Today, June 2, is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences

    ***  The last day to submit assignments is June 10th. No assignments will be accepted after this date. 

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Monday - June 1, 2020

    It’s a Marvelous Monday :)

    The assignment for Monday, June 1 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

     

    **If you not have done so already, complete the previously assigned EdPuzzle Lessons:

    • Cause and Effect
    • Main Idea
    • Making Inferences

    You can access these assignments through Google Classroom. 

     

    *** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

     

    Upcoming: 

    Tuesday - June 2, 2020

    • 6th Grade ELA Lab - Google Meet at 12:00pm 
      • I will post the link for the Google Meet a few minutes before on our Google Classroom.
      • I expect 100% attendance.
      • Looking forward to seeing you!

     

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Friday - May 29, 2020

    It’s a Fantastic Friday!

    The assignment for Today, Friday, May 29 is:

    1. Making Inferences - EdPuzzle Interactive Video:
    • This lesson will become accessible on Google Classroom on Friday, May 29, at 8:30 am
    • As you are watching, questions will pop up. Please answer these questions and use your strategies. 

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **Please complete the EdPuzzle Lesson on Cause and Effect, if you have not done so already. You can access this assignment through Google Classroom. 

    *** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

     

    Upcoming: 

    Tuesday - June 2, 2020

    • 6th Grade ELA Lab - Google Meet at 12:00pm 
      • I will post the link for the Google Meet a few minutes before on our Google Classroom.
      • I expect 100% attendance.
      • Looking forward to seeing you!
    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Thursday - May 28, 2020

    The assignment for Thursday, May 28 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **Please complete the EdPuzzle Lessons on Cause and Effect and Main Idea, if you have not done so already. You can access these assignments through Google Classroom. 

    *** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

    Have a terrific Thursday!

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Wednesday - May 27, 2020

    It’s a Wondrous Wednesday!

    The assignment for Today, Wednesday, May 27 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

     

    **Please complete the EdPuzzle Lessons on Cause and Effect and Main Idea, if you have not done so already. You can access these assignments through Google Classroom. 


    *** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Tuesday - May 26, 2020

    Happy Tuesday!

     

    Reminder: 5th Grade ELA Lab Google Meet - TODAY, Tuesday 5/26, at 12:00PM 

    • Please visit our Google Classroom five minutes before to join (this is where the link will be posted)
    • Before joining, please review the “Google Meet Etiquette” Ms. Briel shared on this webpage  
    • I expect 100% attendance and can’t wait to see everyone!

     

    The assignment for Today, Tuesday, May 26 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

     

    **Please complete the EdPuzzle Lessons on Cause and Effect and Main Idea, if you have not done so already. You can access these assignments through Google Classroom. 

     

    ***Please complete ELA Lab Exit Ticket - 5/18/20, if you have not done so already. This will help me help you. I will use your feedback to create lessons.

     

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Friday - May 22, 2020

    It’s Fabulous Friday!

    The assignment for Today, Friday, May 22 is:

    1. Main Idea - EdPuzzle Interactive Video:
    • This lesson will become accessible on Google Classroom on Friday, May 22, at 8:30 am
    • Watch the video on Main Idea, which you can access via Google Classroom 
    • As you are watching, questions will pop up. Please answer these questions and use your strategies. 

    * Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week.

    **Please complete the EdPuzzle Lesson on Cause and Effect, if you have not done so already. You can access this assignment through Google Classroom. 

    ***Please complete ELA Lab Exit Ticket - 5/18/20, if you have not done so already. This will help me help you. I will use your feedback to create lessons.

    **** Remember to check Google Classroom Daily 

     

    Upcoming: 

    Tuesday - May 26, 2020

    • 5th Grade ELA Lab - Google Meet at 12:00pm 
      • I will post the link for the Google Meet a few minutes before on our Google Classroom
      • Before joining, please review the “Google Meet Etiquette” Ms. Briel shared on the webpage  
      • I am looking forward to seeing my 5th graders :) 

     

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Thursday - May 21, 2020

    It’s a Terrific Thursday!

    The assignment for Thursday, May 21 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 
    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

     

    * Please complete ELA Lab Exit Ticket - 5/18/20, if you have not done so already. This will help me help you. I will use your feedback to create lessons.

     

    **Please complete the EdPuzzle Lesson on Cause and Effect, if you have not done so already. You can access this assignment through Google Classroom. 

     

    ***Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week



    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Wednesday - May 20, 2020

    It’s a Wonderful Wednesday!

    Many students stated on their Exit Tickets that they would like more practice with Cause and Effect. As a result, I am assigning an interactive video lesson to help with this skill.

    The assignment for Today, Wednesday, May 20 is:

    1. Ed Puzzle Interactive Video:

    • This lesson will become accessible on Google Classroom on Wednesday, May 20, at 8:30 am
    • Watch the video on Cause and Effect, which you can access via Google Classroom or using this link: Cause & Effect Edpuzzle Lesson
    • As you are watching, questions will pop up. Please answer these questions and use your strategies. This will count as a graded assignment. 

    2. Independent Reading: 

    • Spend 15 minutes reading independently a text of your choice. You can read a book on the Independent Reading section of Read 180, MyON, or a book of your own. The choice is yours!
    • Try and challenge yourself and look for cause and effect relationships. You can use a Multi-Flow Map to organize your thoughts. 
    • Remember you can also use any resources you may have available such as post-its, your reader’s notebook, or the additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you.

    * Please complete ELA Lab Exit Ticket - 5/18/20, if you have not done so already. This will help me help you. I will use your feedback to create lessons.

    **Please remember to stay on top of your HMH Minutes; you must complete at least 60 minutes a week

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Tuesday - May 19, 2020

    Happy Tuesday!

    Reminder: 6th Grade ELA Lab Google Meet - TODAY, Tuesday 5/19, at 12:00PM 

    • Please visit our Google Classroom five minutes before to join
    • Before joining, please review the “Google Meet Etiquette” Ms. Briel shared on this webpage 
    • I expect 100% attendance and can’t wait to see everyone!

     

    The assignment for Today, Tuesday, May 19 is:

    1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 

    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

    2. Thank you to those of you who completed yesterday’s Exit Ticket assignment. If you have not yet completed this assignment, please do so today. You can access the assignment using this link: ELA Lab Exit Ticket - 5/18/20

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • Monday - May 18, 2020

    Hi Everyone! Mrs. Mendes here. 

    I am back from my maternity leave. I’ve missed you all so much. I hope you and your family are well during these unprecedented times.

    My son, Lucas, is doing well. He was born on March 14th, which is Pi Day! How exciting! 

    Ms. Briel has been telling me about all the great work you have been doing. I can’t wait to continue that work with you all. I look forward to seeing you in Google Meets, speaking with you on the phone and helping you strengthen your reading and writing strategies. 

    The assignment for Monday, May 18 is:

     1. Spend 20 minutes on Read 180/System 44. 

    • Use this secure link to access the software: HMH
    • Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook
    • Remember you can access any additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you

    2. Complete the Exit Ticket Form

    Upcoming: 

    Tomorrow, Tuesday - May 19

    • 6th Grade Google Meet at 12:00pm 
      • I will post the link for the Google Meet a few minutes before
      • Before joining, please review the “Google Meet Etiquette” Ms. Briel shared on this webpage  
      • I am looking forward to seeing all my 6th graders tomorrow :) 
    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab

  • ELA LAB ONLINE ASSIGNMENT

    For Friday, May 15th - Please complete the following…

    **Below are scaffolds and supports to provide each special education student with equitable access to each digital learning assignment.

    Please continue to work on Read 180 and System 44 software for 20 minutes.  The secure link is below. 

    HMH

    As always, when you are independently reading, remember to use your reading strategies!

    Don’t forget to use any resources you may have available such as post-it notes and your reader’s notebook. 

    *Remember to access any of the additional graphic organizers & thinking maps on this webpage to assist you when independently reading and completing assignments for your ELA classes.

    Happy Reading!

    Below is a link to prepare & remind us of proper Google Meet Etiquette!

    Google Meet Etiquette

    *6th Graders don't forget to join our Google Meet scheduled for next Tuesday, 5/19 at 12:00! 

    ** Be sure to check our Google Classroom daily! 

    Free-Write Friday!

    Try to challenge yourself and complete a journal entry on any topic you like.  It can be any genre that interests you.  For example, you can write a poem, create a story or song, write fun facts about any non-fiction subject, and even create a diary entry.  

    Please complete this on paper or create a Google Doc!

     Be inspired and get your thoughts and ideas out! Write On! 

    Mrs. Mendes's ELA Lab
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Calendar

View Monthly Calendar

Thinking Maps & Graphic Organizers

Please use any of the attached resources to assist you with your fiction and/or nonfiction independent reading as well as for any assignments you may need to complete for your ELA classes.

Thinking Maps Overview

Circle Map

Bubble Map

Double Bubble Map

Tree Map

Brace Map

Flow Map

Multi-Flow Map

Bridge Map

What's the Problem

The Real World

Making Inferences

Word meaning

Citing text evidence

Context clues

Point of View

Central Idea

Analyzing and Evaluating  Arguments

Analyzing and Evaluating Arguments Anchor Charts

Persuasive Texts

Summarizing Texts

Elements of a Story

Journal Writing Tips

Reading Comprehension Tips

 

Image result for resources sclip art

 

 

Helpful Tips for Independent Reading

Before Reading

1. Determine your purpose for reading: are you looking for information, completing an assignment, or looking to be entertained?

2. Think about what you already know: making connections between the topic of the text and your previous experiences with that topic can help your understanding

During Reading

3. Make sure you understand what you read: if you did not comprehend what you read be sure to use strategies to help you understand the text better: (reread, read a little further to get more information, use a dictionary for words you are having trouble with). 

4. Look at pictures when possible: pictures often help explain or clarify points the author is trying to make

5. Predict what will happen next; make inferences: read between the lines to make sure you are getting all the information, even the facts the author is not explicitly stating

6. Form pictures in your mind: this helps you stay focused on the text and increases your understanding

7. Try to figure out new words: don't let unfamiliar words get you down, here are some strategies to help you define unknown words

  • Break down the parts (look for prefixes and suffixes)
  • Think of words that are similar (ex. if you have never seen solidify, the word solid might help you figure out the meaning)
  • Use Context Clues (the other words in the sentence can help you determine the word's meaning)
  • Use a dictionary (when all else fails, look up the exact definition of the word)

After Reading

8. Draw conclusions about what you read: think about what you read. What are your thoughts? Why was the reading important? Did it have an impact?

9. Practice, practice, practice :) 

Non-Technology Activities...Thinking Outside the Box!

Below is a list of Non-Tech activities you can do to keep yourself busy and to also keep your mind active! Try to complete as many as you can!

*Remember it's all about choice and your student voice!

1. Journal-Keep a journal with all your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. For example, try to compose a song, write a poem, interview a family member, neighbor, or friend (keep social distancing, but try virtually if need be), write a movie script or play,  make a cartoon strip...Make it true and just be YOU! 

**Remember to check below under the Graphic Organizer & Thinking Map Resources Tab-there is a Journal Tips anchor chart to assist you!

2. Build a jig saw puzzle together.

3. Make a craft. 

4. Draw/sketch pictures of real life events or fiction(Maybe even a timeline).

5. Independently Read and then "Write about your Reading"!

6. Write a letter to a friend or family member.

7. Write or create a thank you note/card to teachers, coaches, doctors, or anyone you want to thank.

8. Start a Book Club with friends, neighbors, etc (*Remember to practice social distancing if not try virtual, online, FaceTime **semi-technological )

9. Write a How-To Book... think of something your really good at and write a step-by-step guide to help others. 

10. Create your own board game.

* Listen to music, look at art,  look for problems and try to solve, be innovative! Get inspired! 

****You can be as creative as you like. Try to think outside the box and challenge yourself to do something extraordinary!!!

  When you complete some of these non-tech activities, please share with me at abriel@islandparkschools.org or abriel@iploms.org! If you think of anything else we should add to the list , please let me know!!!

Think Out Of The Box Clipart