Literacy Skills for September 29-Oct. 3, 2008

6-1 Literacy Skills for September 29-Oct. 3, 2008
Reading Reflections--The packet will be revised for October as we veer toward writing "extended responses." One of the State goals for sixth grade is : "The student will respond/analyze literature." With differentiation, if the student is selecting one of the question choices on the cover of the pamphlet and responding with careful thought ( a minimum of one page), the aim is to build toward one thorough extended response.
Due: Five Reading reflections, signed by student and parent, are due Monday, September 29.
Five Reading reflections are due Monday, October 6.

Novel work: Upon completion of the novel, The Summer of the Swans , by Betsy Byars, a novel exam will be completed. We will read a second Byars novel, Cracker Jackson to compare and contrast characters, setting, plot, and problem resolution. This will provide a common reading experience we will refer to through the year with other realistic fiction novels.
The students will complete an AR test on Summer of the Swans and Cracker Jackson .

BRING THE NOVEL, HOOT TO CLASS BY OCTOBER 6.
A differentiated unit will be instructed. Students will have a project selection list, discussion opportunities, and research assignments with this novel.

To implement differentiation in Literacy Skills, students will be moved forward in class to complete novels, participate in literature circles with open-ended questions, and read novels within their "zone of proximal development." For example, students will be encouraged and expected to read novels in their reading and comprehension range.

New assignment: The student will read one biography per trimester.
By the first week of November, every Literacy Skills student in my class will have read one biography. The written report includes: Knowledge: List five events from the person's life you read about in the order in which they occurred. Comprehension: Write a short summary of the person's life and explain what specific reasons this person is remembered . Application: Pretend you are the person you read about. Write a diary entry during a special time in your life. Analysis: Would this person have made a good friend? Tell why or why not. What are some qualities a famous person possesses? Synthesis: What if the person you read about lived 30 years in the future? Write about the kinds of things he/she might contribute to society in the future. Evaluation: Do you think a biography should have been written about this person? Explain. ( This report is due by Nov. 14. )

Language Arts for September 29-October 3

Writing Process:
Narrative composition #1 final typed draft was due September 26.
New: The students will have instruction for Narrative composition #2--A Personal Experience Essay. All of the work through the final written draft will be completed in school. Due dates for the final typed draft will be announced.
Grammar: Using the text, Language Network, Grade 6, students will be covering "Four Kinds of Sentences."
Study: Imperative-- a command; Interrogative-- a question; Declarative--makes a statement; Exclamatory--a statement expressed with strong feeling.
Students have been saving review worksheets in their Language Arts file. Note sheets marked " Save and Study" will be used to study for tests.
The first test on Chapter one will cover Simple and Complete Subjects and Predicates; Compound Sentence Parts, Four Kinds of Sentences, Subject Complements* (per instruction). The Test on Chapter one is Wednesday, October 8.
Homework: Per instruction and guided practice, students will have at least 2 homework assignments . This site will be updated .  The first review sheet is " Kinds of Sentences."  

Vocabulary building: Prefixes: co-- and com-- ( together, with)
The pre test will be administered in class.
Homework: Study the correct spelling and definitions. Aim to use the words in oral and written work through the week. The written homework is: Divide the words into syllables. Construct sixth grade sentences using the vocabulary list. Be creative. *
The written work is due Monday, October 6* . The post test on the list is Tuesday, October 7.
DUE DATE FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED LATE WORK 2 WEEKS IN A ROW WILL BE ADJUSTED.
Word List: coexist, cohesive, coincidence, combine, commiserate, committee, communication, community, compare, compatible

Novel Study: Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen

Literacy Skills note: We are covering story elements, characterization, plot, foreshadowing, flashback, and cliffhanger. Through the study of two Betsy Byars novels, students will compare and contrast characters, setting, and plot. We will analyze Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
Please have your child bring a copy of HOOT by Carl Hiaasen to Literacy Skills class by October 6. A differentiated unit will be instructed.

Sixth Grade Reading Reflections ( for Lit. Skills)

During the First Trimester students will respond to literature .
Literacy Skills Sixth Grade Reading Reflections instructions:
-The student will read at home for a minimum of 30 minutes nightly. This reading log is for pleasure reading. Student self selection or AR books are read. Make sure to document the date, title, and author. In your reflection, please do not retell the story. Ideas for reflection include: ( Pick one and indicate a, b, c, d,e, or f). A minimum of one page in the booklet OR typed on paper is expected.
a. Make a prediction about what might happen next if the story were to continue.
b. Describe a quotation from the book. Tell how the quotation is an example of good writing.
c. Ask questions if there were parts of the story that confused you. What don't you understand? Why do you think the author did something in a particular way? What would you have done differently as a writer?
d. Describe a memory from your own life that this book made you think of.
e. Make a connection with one of the characters from the story. Describe how the character is similar or different to someone you know in real life.
f. How does the story affect you? What does the story make you think of?
When you complete your assigned reflections you must sign the booklet and ask a parent to sign it. Always be proud and confident in your work.
( This work will be assigned through the first trimester. We will build upon it and move to "extended responses" through the second and third trimesters. More information will follow.

Literacy Skills-6-1--Class Period One/LaBarbera

LITERACY SKILLS---CLASS PERIOD ONE/LABARBERA
We are covering story elements: characterization, setting ( where and when), plot, significant events, and resolution. Through Teacher Read Aloud, silent sustained reading of the novel, THE SUMMER OF THE SWANS by Betsy Byars, class discussions, and prediction/reaction activities, the students are actively participating in the Literacy Skills program. Nightly reading for 30 minutes is assigned .
Due: September 22--Five reading reflections are due on Monday, September 22. The student will select a novel to read at home. Upon completion of 30 minutes of reading, the student will select one of the choices on the reading booklet. Example: Predict, connect, site a quotation, recall a memory, etc. A minimum of one page per reflection is due. The student may choose to type reading reflections with a level of depth and breadth that reflects exceptional and careful thought. Neatness and accuracy without teacher prompting are applauded.
Due: September 18: Research/facts on swans ( migration, habitat, reproduction, predators, protection, food.) Be prepared to share in class. Final drafts should be submitted typed OR in black ink on one side of looseleaf paper. Indicate the source you used to find the facts.
Differentiation will occur in Literacy Skills. More information to follow.
Week of September 22-26 in Literacy Skills...
--Complete the novel, The Summer of the Swans. The written exam is essentially a story map and reaction to the novel. Complete the novel by Oct. 3. Students will begin the novel, Cracker Jackson for a "Compare and Contrast" story element activity.

Language Arts/LaBarbera/Per. 2,3,7,8,9

LANGUAGE ARTS--CLASS PERIODS: 2,3, 7,8,9

--Vocabulary building, writing, and learning American Standard English are emphasized.

Spelling post test of 9/11 will be returned to the students. If a student has more than 2 errors on the post test, he/she should write the words missed correctly 3 times. Study the words and definitions. A retake of the test will be offered on Friday, Sept. 19.
--The 6+1 Traits of writing: Ideas, Voice, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, and Presentation are instructed. Students will learn the rubric for excellence.
--Homework thus far has covered Prefixes, syllabication, definitions, part of speech, and sentence writing. First assignment was due: September 9. Homework counts for 10% of Language Arts grade. MyGradebook is in the construction phase. Information will follow.
--Current Writing Process project which is being completed in class: The student will brainstorm, pre-write, and draft a narrative composition entitled, "All About Me." With skill instruction using graphic organizers, the students will construct a composition with a minimum of 5 paragraphs. The foci of the composition include the elements of narrative writing. The first written draft will be completed by September 19. After teacher/peer conferencing and approval, the student will take the draft home to type a final copy. The student will submit the plan, written draft with revisions, and the final typed copy by September 26. * This date is subject to draft approval.*
How can a parent help his/her child with writing process? Encourage proofreading. Proofread final drafts . The parent might say, " Check paragraph 2 for capitalization." ( rather than do the work for your child...)

-- New list of vocabulary with prefix "bi." ( bipedal... etc.)

Word list for Sept. 16-23: bicolor, bicuspid, bicycle, biennial, bifocals, bilingual, bimonthly, biped, biplane, biweekly.

The student will study the spelling and definition. Find the part of speech, syllabication, and write a sentence (s)using the words in the correct context. The work is due Sept. 22. The post test is Sept. 23.
Archived vocabulary: antisocial, automobile, autobiography, binoculars, biceps, bifocal, centigrade, centimeter, international, intervene, interpret

Up and Coming: We will use Language Network 6 textbooks for grammar instruction, writing workshop, and oral communication activities.