Amy Schwartzbachs Blog

Here are 3 learning opportunities for students to do over winter break.

1) Visit Harold Washington Library You Media Center/ Visitar la Biblioteca para los adolescentes

Tiene muchas computadoras y camaras digitales para que los estudiantes puedan usar.

The downtown branch of the public library designed a center just for teens. The center has spaces for students to hang out and use technology. They have several computers, digital cameras, flip cameras and other recording equipment students can borrow and use. The program even offers workshops showing students how to create digital video and digital music productions. Find more information by clicking here.

The library is located downtown at 400 S. State Street. Click Here to figure out how you can use public transportation from your home.

Para visitar la bibibloteca con el autobus, pulsar aqui.

2) Go to the “My Chinatown” exhibit at The Chicago History Museum/ Visitar el museo del historia para la exhibicion “My Chinatown”.

El museo de historia tiene una excibicion de "Chinatown". Es importante porque es mismo del projecto "nuestrasVoses. sonCuentos" para Service Learning

This exhibit tells the story of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. Since we will be working on a similar Service Learning project in May, telling the story of our neighborhoods, it would be interesting for you to go see the exhibit. Read more about the exhibit by clicking here.

The Chicago History Museum is located at 1601 N. Clark. Figure out how you can get there on public transportation by clicking here.

3) Downtown Chicago Poetry Tour/ hir al lugar de las poesia muy famaso de Chicago

Es possible visitar los lugares y escuchar las poesias muy importante de Chicago con MP3's

The Chicago Poetry Foundation has created an audio walking tour guiding you around downtown Chicago. The tour highlights some of the important places downtown, plays the poems inspired by these places, and tells you about the poets’ inspirations.

The tour can be downloaded onto an MP3 player; you can find more information by clicking here.

If you complete any of these activities, please write a 2 page reflection telling me what you did and what you learned.

Have a great break!

Ms. Schwartzbach conoce Mr. Oppenheimer

I am very excited to have won an Oppenheimer grant to share with my classroom! Each year I do a Service Learning project with my classes. This project helps students use the skills they learned in English to complete an authentic project; it also gives students volunteer hours towards the 40 hour graduation requirement. These projects can often be expensive, so I am very excited I have won this grant to help me offset the costs. This year’s project will be called “Our Voices. Our Stories”. We will be writing poems and personal narratives, and taking photos, to share the stories and perspectives that people don’t hear in the media. We will be presenting our project, in May, at the downtown branch of the public library. Please check the “Service Learning” tab, on my website, to see how I have done similar projects in the past.

Es un libro del adolescente y el balencesto con cartoons.

I highly recommend this book for independent reading; I have found that my male students especially enjoy reading it. This is the story of Arnold Spirit, a teenage Spokane Indian living on a reservation in Washington. Arnold is a misfit and he writes about his misadventures on the reservation. When a teacher convinces him he should expect more from himself, Arnold transfers to a rich, all-white school where he tries to fit in. He ends up joining the basketball team and even finding a girlfriend, but his success at his new school makes him more of an outsider in his own community. The book is very well-written with realistic dialogue and humorous cartoons. I have seen several copies in the school library, so I recommend asking the librarians to help find a copy. You could also check your local library or bookstore. You can read more reviews about the book by clicking here.

En la clase estudiamos el Mito Griego. Ese libro, The Lightning Thief, es mismo de Harry Potter pero es de los mitos. Es muy interesante para los adolescentes

Since we are currently studying Greek Mythology, The Lightning Thief would be an interesting book to read for the Independent Reading grade.

The book is similar to Harry Potter, but it explores the modern world of Greek Mythology. The main character, Percy Jackson, is a boy who never fit in at school. He finds out he is actually the son of a Greek god. He goes to a camp, with other children of Greek gods, and is chosen to go on a journey. Through this journey he meets several of the greek gods and monsters in a modern setting.

The story is entertaining, and it will help your student learn by supporting the myths and ideas we are learning in class. You can ask for a copy, or reserve a copy, at our school library, your local library, or purchase a copy by clicking here.

Recomendo ese libros para Leer Independente. Busque para los libros a la biblioteca o la tienda de libros.

Hable de la guerra en Afganistan, Zimbabue, y Cambodia

Es un fotografo de noticias; visita muchas pais y tiene el photos en las revistas Time y Newsweek y la periodico The New York Times.

This Spring, our class will be working on a Service Learning project involving photography. Students will learn to “tell a story through pictures” by documenting things they see in their communities.

Although we will not begin our unit until Spring, we were lucky enough to have a war photographer, Will Baxter, visit our classroom to discuss his experiences. Baxter lives in Bangkok, Thailand and is only in the United States for a couple of weeks. He has traveled to many countries, including: Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Cambodia taking pictures of wars and injustices. He has been published in Time, Newsweek, and The New York Times.

Students were able to view his pictures and ask about his experiences. His portfolio can be viewed by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Es necesito que los estudantes leer uno libro independente; es 10% de el grado de la clase.

Each quarter, the students must read a book on their own and go to the library to take a test. This test is worth 10% of their total grade; if a student does not complete the assignment, it can drop them an entire letter grade.

I take the students to the library to choose books, but I have found many students do not read their book or take the test in the library. Please encourage your student to take the time to read their book and visit the school library to take the test.

I will post recommendations for interesting teen literature.

Tiene muchas programas para los estudiantes aprende usar las computadoras, camara digital y video camera.

Harold Washington Library, located downtown, just built a new teen center. The center focuses on using technology. It has flat screen tv’s, new computers, laptops, digital cameras, Flip recording cameras and other technology. They have several programs teaching students how to use technology; students can even check out cameras and Flip recorders with their library card. This would be a good resource for students to use on the weekend, or if they have a day off of school. Read more about it by clicking here.

Es possible pedir los libros muy bien para Leer Independente

I am really excited to be working with your students this year. Here are some tips to help your student make a successful transition to high school:

1) Use your agenda book to keep track of homework.

2) Find a quiet, comfortable place to study.

3) Study a little bit each night.

4) Check IMPACT so you will always know your current grade.

5) Make sure to bring extra pens, pencils, and paper so you’re always prepared.

6) Stay organized. Use 3-ring binders. Have different folders and notebooks for each class. Get in the habit of cleaning your backpack each night to make sure all the papers and handouts are in the correct folder.

7) If you don’t understand something, please make sure to speak to your teachers. I will tutor students who need extra help and make an appointment with me.

I’m looking forward to a successful  school year!

Welcome to our classroom blog! In this space you will find ideas, resources, and information to help your student have an amazing academic school year. I would love to hear any information you would like to share, or questions you might have.  Please check back often for updates.