FCAT PACKETFCAT PACKET7th Grade
This packet belongs to _____________________________________
Decorate your packet with a picture of yourself being successful on the FCAT!
I worked so hard and met the challenge of the FCAT!
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AlliterationAllusionsAnalyzeAuthor’s PurposeBiasCaptionsCause and EffectCharacter DevelopmentCharacter point of viewChartsCompare/ContrastConclusionsConflict (internal/external)Context CluesDescribeDiagramsDistractorEntertainEssential MessageEvaluateExcerptExplainFigurative LanguageFormulateGraphsHeadingsHyperboleIllustrationsImageryInferenceInformIronyItalicizedMain IdeaMetaphorMoodMultiple Meaning WordsMultiple textOnomatopoeiaParaphrasePersonificationPerspective
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PersuadePlot DevelopmentPOO: Definition/ExplanationPOO: Listing/descriptionPOO: Patterns of Organization/Organizational PatternPOO: Question/answerPOO: spatialPOO:Argument/supportPOO:Chronological orderPOO:Patterns of Organization/Organizational PatternPredictRelevantReliabilitySectionsSimilarities/DifferencesSimileStory: ResolutionStory: SettingStory:Rising actionSubheadingsSubtitlesSummarizeSummary StatementSupportSynthesize (within/across text)TablesText boxesText FeaturesThemeToneTraceValidityWord ChoiceWord Part: SuffixesWord Part: PrefixesWord Parts: Root Word (affixes/stems)
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from THE LITTLE MERMAID
FAR out in the ocean, where the water is as blue as the prettiest cornflower, and as clear as crystal, it is very, very deep; so deep, indeed, that no cable could fathom it: many church steeples, piled one upon another, would not reach from the ground beneath to the surface of the water above. The water is a priceless diamond. There dwell the Sea King and his subjects. Sand, salty sea-foam and soft sunshine splash the summer air. We must not imagine that there is nothing at the bottom of the sea but bare yellow sand. No, indeed; the most singular flowers and plants grow there; the leaves and stems of which are so pliant, that the slightest agitation of the water causes them to stir as if they had life. The seaweed dances for joy on the sea floor. Fishes, both large and small, glide between the branches, as birds fly among the trees here upon land. In the deepest spot of all, stands the castle of the Sea King. Its walls are built of coral, and the long, gothic windows are of the clearest amber. The roof is formed of shells, that open and close as the water flows over them. Their appearance is very beautiful, for in each lies a glittering pearl, which would be fit for the diadem of a queen.
1. Find two similes.
2. Find one metaphor.
3. Find one example of hyperbole.
4. Find one example of personification.
5. Find an example of alliteration.
6. Find an example of onomatopoeia.
7. Based on context clues, what do you think a diadem is?
On Your Own
8. Write your own simile describing a baby.
9. Write your own metaphor describing an athlete.
10. Write your own personification describing a tree.
11. Write your own hyperbole describing how tall someone is.
12. Write a sentence that includes alliteration. It can be anything.
13. In your own words what is onomotopia?
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The Growth MindsetResearch has found that the beliefs and attitudes held by students when they begin middle school have a
strong influence on their achievement over these critical years. In particular, the research found that students who believed that their intelligence was something that they could develop and increase—what we term a growth mindset—also held many other positive attitudes. First, believing that their ability could be increased, they valued learning as a goal, even when it involved hard work or initial errors or failures. They also believed in the effectiveness of effort—that is, they viewed effort in a positive way and felt that they had the ability, through their own efforts, to learn and master new material. When they had difficulty in a subject, they explained why they had difficulty in a useful way—rather than just saying, “I’m not smart enough,” or “I just can’t do math,” they explained their difficulty as due to lack of effort or inadequate strategy. And they responded with more positive, effort-based strategies to work harder and spend more time on the subject instead of giving up. Even more striking, students with a growth mindset had an upward trajectory in mathematics grades over seventh and eighth grade, while those who viewed their intelligence as a fixed quality did not. This was true even though students had equal levels of prior achievement: students who believed that their intelligence was flexible and changeable did better than did equally able students who viewed their intelligence as an unchangeable, fixed “entity.” This was true for students at all levels of ability.
Research on Learning and the Brain Research shows that the brain is in fact much more changeable than previously thought. It was once believed that the brain did not grow new cells, and that there were severe limitations on the malleability, or flexibility, of the brain after early childhood. But in the past few decades, research has shown that learning causes substantial changes in the brains of both animals and human beings throughout life. Thinking occurs in the brain through the chemical communication of nerve cells connected in a complex network. With learning, the cells of the brain develop new connections between them, and existing connections become stronger. Studies in brain imaging have shown that when people practice and learn new skills, the areas of the brain responsible for those skills actually become larger and denser with neural tissue, and that new areas of the brain become active when performing related tasks. Furthermore, it has been found that the brain continues to grow new nerve cells, or neurons, daily, and that this process speeds up when a lot of active learning is occurring. Thus, the brain has the capacity to develop throughout life. However, this development depends on the stimulation of challenge and learning. This fact makes it all the more critical that students be given challenging material and motivated to apply effort and take an active role in learning. Instructor-Led Intervention Approach: Teaching a Growth Mindset Would it be possible to improve students’ motivation and achievement by teaching them a growth mindset? In a pilot study we did just that by teaching middle school students about what has been learned about the flexibility of the brain to develop and grow new networks with challenge and learning.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
2. What is a growth mindset?
3. How could having a growth mindset help you?
4. How could the information in this article help you be successful on the FCAT?
5. What information did you learn about the potential of the human brain?
6. Using context clues what does trajectory mean?
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The Ant and the Grasshopper
In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest.
"Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?"
"I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant," and recommend you to do the same."
"Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer. Then the Grasshopper knew: It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.
1. What is the theme?
2. Who are the characters?
3. Describe the two characters.
4. What do you think toiling and moiling means?
5. Paraphrase this line: It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.
Write your own very short story.
Your story must include characters, setting (3 elements), rising action, climax, and resolution. Extra credit if you include a theme or figurative language. Feel free to make it silly!
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Feeding The Brain
The brain is a hungry organ, it’s cells requiring two times the amount of energy than that of other cells in the body. To work well and efficiently throughout the day, this energy level must be kept high enough so not to cause mental stress and exhaustion.
So we’ll look at simple ways to keep your brain working effectively throughout your day so your work doesn’t suffer. When the brain doesn’t become stressed it can work continuously so not to sabotage your daily workflow. For this discussion we will assume you work most of the day, morning to evening.
BreakfastIt’s no secret this is the most important meal of the day. We all know it, but how many of us take it to heart. We’re too busy right? It’s OK,
there are shortcuts.Coffee in the morning sounds like a good idea. The boost is fairly instantaneous for a few reasons. Firstly, the caffeine. Caffeine does
increase the capacity for mental and physical labor. However, this is short lived, with a demanding drop of energy caused not long after. Do you drink a few cups before the morning’s end?
Sugar also plays a part in the morning coffee. However, this sugar is part of the simple carbohydrates family which does fuel the brain, but only for a short period of time. What we want to get early in the morning is some complex carbohydrates.
Fruit is an excellent source. Instead of a short burst of energy these carbohydrates have long chains of sugar molecules that the body breaks down gradually, releasing glucose to fuel the brain over time.
If you’re strapped for time in the morning, as we all tend to be, a bowl of fruit is a much better energy source that will start the brain working. Mental exercise drains glucose, so feeding your glucose level throughout the day, with fruit, is a great way to keep energy levels up all day. Watery and crunchy fruits are low in calories and can be eaten all day, any time. Berries and citruses are highest in complex carbohydrates and also antioxidents which reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
Later on in the morning something with more protein, a cereal, will do the same to keep energy in the brain all day. A piece of toast or sandwich does the same, directly improving memory and attention.
A cereal with fruit is a very quick and easy breakfast to kick start your day. With productivity in mind, we want to spend little time preparing food at the beginning of our day, so we can enter work-mode as soon as possible.
LunchAs mentioned earlier, breads and fruits do well. Vegetables do much of the same good as fruit. Glucose levels alter during cooking so
sticking to a salad may be better. Think about adding an egg to the mix. Egg yolk is a leading source for choline, a nutrient that, recently, has been proven to boost brainpower by speeding up the sending of signals to nerve cells in the brain.
If possible, a larger lunch is better than a big dinner; use your time after work to rest and eat lightly. Although you could prepare for the next 6-8 hours of fasting – otherwise known as sleep – by stocking up on food, this can disrupt your sleep. A lighter meal before bed will lead to an easier and deeper sleep. Stick to a good breakfast and lunch to get keep you fed.
Fish is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which builds gray matter and cell membranes. Reportedly, these fats can also help emotional balance and a positive attitude throughout life. And you already know, stay away from junk food. Ending lunch with a yogurt helps produce neurotransmitters, improving signals amongst neurons. Complementing this with nuts [particularly walnuts] balance omega-3 acids with omega-6′s while neutralizing blood sugar levels.
Drink While eating food for the brain, it is important to keep hydrated. At least 80 ounces of water every day reduce stress hormones. Drinking
non-caffeinated tea, like green tea, relaxes the brain and induces mental alertness. A juice, such as grapefruit juice, has the same affects for the brain as fruits and vegetables along with the hydration benefits.
While softdrinks provide that quick boost of sugar, it won’t last and will lead to a noticeable decline in brain energy later in the day. After drinking [or eating] something high in sugar, your pancreas starts to secrete insulin which triggers cells throughout your body to pull the excess glucose out of your bloodstream and store it. This sucks glucose from the brain which leaves it without energy, known as hypoglycemia. As a result your ability to focus decreases, leaving you weak and confused, unable to think properly.
Above AllModeration is the key. They say nothing is bad for you if done in moderation, so there isn’t a need for a huge change in your diet. What
you may realize is your diet lacks many foods that stimulate mental growth and productivity. If you’re sluggish in the morning, there is definitely room for improvement.
Enhance brain power with a an increase in these foods that keep your brain running on high, and slow down on the others. Fruit’s cheap, put a bowl next to the computer.
1. What is the main idea of this article?
2. What is the author’s purpose for writing this article?
3. What headings are used?
4. How can this article help you prepare for the FCAT?
5. Summarize the article.
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
The reading FCAT will be administered starting Monday April 15th. This packet will serve as a study guide and practice review for your son or daughter. Please make sure that they work on the assigned pages every night. Some parts of the packet will be completed during class. On the days of the FCAT please ensure that your child has had a good night’s rest the night before and that they arrive at school on time. Try to create a stress-free environment during the days leading up to the test. Please remind your child of the importance of the FCAT. They should work hard and be confident but not nervous. If your child is struggling with this packet or would like extra help, I am available before or after school to provide tutoring. If you are interested in extra help, please let me know and I will provide your child with a pass. For more information, including handouts and a weekly schedule, please visit my website and skyward.
Sincerely,
Danielle Hendry, M.Ed.Master of Secondary EducationSouth Seminole Middle SchoolLanguage Arts
http://mshendry.weebly.com
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