Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/April 23-May 1, 2009

Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/April 23-May 1, 2009

1. Vocabulary test on Shakespeare's Secrets is on Thursday, April 23.
Students have been assigned vocabulary aligned with the novel.
2. Comprehension questions and a story map for Shakespeare's Secrets test / April 27-28.
3. Introduction to Science Fiction/Fantasy----- our next unit.
Students will be assigned to read : A Wrinkle in Time, or The White Mountains, Or The House of the Scorpion, or The Giver, or The Dark is Rising. We will use literature circles for novel discussions.
4. Silent reading 30 minutes per night is an ongoing assignment. Independent reading should conclude with an AR test or submit a prediction/reaction paragraph.
5. Final projects for Lit. Skills: May 1-May 22, 2009--Science Fiction Unit.
a. Science Fiction-- Choices--Design a communication device for the future. Sketch and /or create. Use recycled objects. Attach a thorough explanation of the functions, capabilities, cost, and who would use the device. ( family, business, other. ) How much would it cost in the year 2019? Create an advertisement for your device.
b. Design clothing of the future for adult or children. ( shoes, hats, etc. ) Include a technological feature. ( Attach an explanation for the item. ) Create a template of the item.
c. Create your own idea. Teacher approval needed by May 8.
d. Take AR tests. The points are included in the independent reading portion of your Lit. Skills final grade.

Language Arts / 6-1/ April 22-May 1, 2009

Language Arts/ 6-1/ April 22-May 1, 2009

1. Oral presentations have begun. Articulation, volume, eye contact, collaboration , and/or originality are evaluated. Students are practicing appropriate posture, stance, pivot, and "buying time" as they try to remember their lines. All of the presentations will be completed by May 7.
2. Grammar Test---Adjectives, adverbs, making comparisons, superlative, comparative, correct use of descriptive words---rescheduled for Tuesday, May 5. We will cover prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections through May.
3. Writing Process----Up and coming---- narrative piece " Advice to Incoming Sixth Graders."; how to write a business letter of complaint or compliment; how to write a friendly letter, and much more. We will continue the writing program through June 4. Students will take home their writing projects from the school year by May 22.
4. Story writing-A final creative writing project will be offered to all students in May.

Comments: The Benchmark tests were administered April 20-23. Make up tests will be completed by April 28. The writing assessments were scored during Teacher Institute Day.

Literacy Skills/6-1/April 13-17, 2009

Literacy Skills/6-1/April 13-17, 2009

1.  Final typed draft of the mystery is due April 16.

2.  Shakespeare's Secrets---novel exam is April 23.

3.  Students are expected to read independently 30 minutes per night.  AR tests are to be taken and predictions/ reactions should be recorded in the lit. skills spiral notebook.

4.  We are completing the mystery unit . With differentiation, several students have completed two novels, wrote predictions, and more than one short mystery. 

5.  Up and Coming:  Science Fiction/High and Low Fantasy.

6. Vocabulary for Shakespeare's Secrets should be mastered by April 23. 

Language Arts /6-1/April 13-17,2009

Language Arts/6-1/April 13-17,2009

Vocabulary: Add -ance when the first part of the word has a meaning.

Add -ence when the first part of the word has no meaning and cannot stand alone.

List: annoyance, vigilance, acquaintance, reliance, ignorance, variance, observance, guidance, significance, elegance, arrogance, extravagance, attendance, entrance, evidence, confidence, violence, silence, science, presence, sequence, consequence, insistence, persistence, consistence, coherence, adherence, occurrence, concurrence.

Write the word. Using a dictionary, divide the words into syllables. Write a definition you understand and will remember. Apply the word in a sentence with evidence of understanding the definition.

The work and post test date is Monday, April 20. Some time will be allotted in class to start this work.

Grammar and Writing: Adjectives and Adverbs--Practice work will be assigned in class, completed as homework. The final typed draft of the description of a place you visited is due: April 15, Wednesday.

Grammar Test: Adjectives and Adverbs: April 27&28.

Oral Presentations: The students have been assigned a date for their oral presentations. A rubric will be provided for evaluation. Students will be graded on their articulation, volume, audience rapport, and eye contact. Students will be evaluated on their listening skills, attention to detail, and courtesy to the speaker. Presentations will begin this week and run through May 1.

Pilot Testing: There will be a pilot Language Arts test for all students during the week of April 20-23. Teachers will have the results by Institute Day, April 24 and share them with parent/guardian.