Language Arts / 6-1 - March 24-April 9, 2009

Language Arts / 6-1 - March 24-April 9, 2009

1. Oral Presentation Project.--Students were given 8 options.
Due: April 9. Final typed draft of the plan ----the lyrics, poetry, excerpt of speeches, etc. you will use for an oral presentation to Language Arts class ( April 13-May 1 ). Upon presentation of the plan, you will receive the presentation date .
Example: Introduction---"The theme of friendship ( or achievement) will be the focus of my presentation. The poetry of Shel Silverstein and Roald Dahl will be presented." ( You present poetry with the theme of friendship ( or achievement). with a time span of 2 -4 minutes. There should be a conclusion that wraps the presentation to closure.
You will be evaluated on your plan, articulation , volume, eye contact, and audience rapport. We have practiced poetry, a speech excerpt, and speaking in front of the class.

2. Grammar: We will cover the topics of Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositions, and Conjunctions, through the third trimester. Homework : TBA
Descriptive narrative writing will be assigned in class.
The descriptive paragraphs about a favorite place are due typed on Wednesday, April 15.

Comment about the research papers: The students are to be congratulated for their perseverance with the research paper project. The majority of the papers were representative of intense research, organization of information, and appropriate presentation. Many of the papers were very informative. Thank you to parent/guardian/student for the work that was involved . Computers, printers, printer cartridges, arrangements for using the computer, and other time commitments were involved. Thank you . A special thank you to our teacher/librarian, Ms. Nelson, for the excellent instruction all of the 6-1 students received. The outcome is superior.

Up and Coming:
In compliance with a District 97 School Board request, the grade 6, 7, and 8 language arts classes will participate in a pilot testing during the week of April 20-23. There will be 16 questions on three different tests and one writing component to the test. The test involves reading passages and comprehension. One test will be administered on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The scores will be received by Friday, Teacher Institute Day, April 24. My understanding is that you, as parent/guardian, will receive the scores shortly after. In the fall, when there is a new Language Arts text series in place , these tests will occur either once a trimester or twice a year. Since this is a pilot there are discussions about the program in progress.