Language Arts/ 6-1/ LaBarbera

Week of August 31-September 4, 2009

Language Arts / 6-1/LaBarbera

In Class: We are working on the pre-writing activities for a narrative composition. Instruction will cover the components of a thorough narrative. Students will utilize graphic organizers to plan the writing. The elements of the writing process include: Pre-writing, Drafting, Revising, Editing, Publishing. The draft work is completed in class. After receiving approval, the student will bring the draft to final copy. Final drafts are typed. If computer access is impossible, a final draft in black ink on lined paper is acceptable. Due dates will be announced.

In Class: Word Study: Vocabulary building occurs in all content areas. Language Arts will cover prefixes, suffixes, and word skills which build vocabulary. Instructional lessons will cover use of a dictionary, thesaurus, and syllabication. Do not look for the "Friday test." Tests on vocabulary will occur after students have had sufficient time using the new vocabulary words in class and in writing. Test dates will be announced.

Grammar: Language Network 6 and Prentice Hall "Literature" books will be used in class. Language Network provides grammar instruction. We will cover all of the parts of speech through the school year. Students are expected to use American Standard English in written work.

Literacy Skills/6-1/LaBarbera

Literacy Skills/6-1/LaBarbera

Week of August 31-September 4, 2009

Homework: The student will select a novel for home reading. Read your novel for 20-30 minutes. We will be learning how to write a reading reflection in class this week. Four reflections per week will be due beginning September 14. More information to follow.

In Class: Story elements of realistic fiction will be discussed this week. We will read short stories and the novel Cracker Jackson by Betsy Byars.

Students will take the STAR test for Accelerated Reader program on September 11. A grade level equivalent will be reached. Students will be assigned books based on their "zone of proximal development." .... ( range of reading level.)

Materials: Bring spiral notebook , assignment notebook, and a pen to every class.

Language Arts---Ms. L. LaBarbera---6-1 Team
2009-2010 School year

Welcome to Language Arts !
Here you are in Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. Are you ready for a writing adventure? Welcome aboard! We will explore the traits of writing: Ideas, Voice, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, and Presentation. Students will learn the rubric for excellence. In addition we will cover the Illinois Learning Standards for Sixth Grade Language Arts. This includes grammar, writing, and vocabulary. Through an integrated approach, we will learn the elements of good writing and correct grammar, utilizing a rich and varied vocabulary . Your writing skills will build upon what you have accomplished thus far.
The elements of the Writing Process will be covered: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publishing . The teacher will model writing techniques, instruct students on correct form, and bring the lessons to increasingly complex projects. Narrative, persuasive, and expository writing will be emphasized. Narrative and persuasive are tested on the ISATs. Creative story writing, poetry, and other forms of writing will be covered.
Materials for this class: Bring at least 2 black/blue pens, spiral notebook, folder, or slot for Language Arts in your accordion folder. Bring your assignment notebook to every class.
Homework will be assigned. Look at this blogspot for regular updates.
How can a parent help his/her student with writing? Encourage the student to proofread his/her work. Check for correct grammar, spelling, vocabulary, tone, punctuation, capitalization, and whether the project follows the direction of the assignment. If a section of the writing contains errors, direct the student to the section and say, " Look at paragraph 3. Check the punctuation again", but do not correct it for him/her. More information to follow.

Literacy Skills-Ms. LaBarbera-Team 6-1

Literacy Skills --Ms. LaBarbera--Team 6-1
First week of School--August 24-28, 2009

Welcome to Literacy Skills class. We will learn reading strategies, read short stories, poems, novels, and discuss literature. Writing responses and reactions to the stories we read will add flavor and zest to our class discussions and literature circles.
Materials to bring to class: Pen, spiral notebook, novel ( as assigned). Set aside a slot in your accordion folder for Literacy Skills. The slot is designated for important handouts/notes and for returning homework.
You will receive information about the STAR test for the Accelerated Reader Program.
We will have an introduction to our school library/media center in the upcoming weeks.

First Unit: Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
Titles will be announced in class.
Story elements: Characterization, Setting, Plot, significant events, and resolution. Through teacher read aloud, short stories, silent sustained reading of novels, and class discussions , we will appreciate literature with understanding.
Novel or theme: To be announced.
Homework will be announced here. We will have lessons covering reading responses and reflections. Practice will take place in class before homework is assigned.
Requirements: Nightly reading ( 20-30 minutes of self selected novel or assigned), reading responses , projects, story mapping, exams ( not always pencil and paper).

This blog will be updated regularly.