Literacy Skills for LaBarbera/6-1/September 28-October 5, 2009
1. Four reading reflections are due Monday, October 5. Students should be reading books from the AR cart in the classroom OR books from the school library. The blue sticker on the spine of the book indicates it is an AR book. A test accompanies the book. The reading reflections are graded and recorded as independent reading and/or homework.
2. We will be starting the novel, HOOT by Carl Hiassen. Research , reading, discussing , and projects will be included in this novel. Differentiation will permit some students to read alternative novels with projects, vocabulary, and comprehension assignments.
3. Trimester One Biography report due November 9. Student's choice for first trimester.
Second Trimeser biography report due at end of February for Black History Month.
Third Trimester biography report due at end of April for Women in History.
4. Rubric for lit. skills projects includes neatness, accuracy, proper labelling, and a level of depth and breadth which shows effort. Lit. Skills projects need NOT be large. We do not have room for huge posters and boards. A project should reflect reading, citing sources, and an oral report which summarizes the findings by the student. ( This is important for upcoming HOOT projects.)
5. Every student should be reading a minimum of 20 minutes nightly ---- good literature.
Up and coming: Notes and confirmed appointment times for October parent-teacher, student led portfolio conferences will be sent home shortly. Stay tuned.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/September 28-October 2, 2009
Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/September 28-October 2, 2009
1. Homework: Vocabulary List for this week: ambidextrous, ambivalent, archenemy, beneficial, benefactor, biography, cyclone, deform, divide, introduction, deduct, excel, forewarned, parameter, ultraviolet, validity.\
Write the word. Divide the words into syllables, using a dictionary. Write the part of speech, the definition, and a sentence for each word. This work will be checked in class on Friday, October 2 ( It should be at least half completed.)
The completed assignment is due Monday, October 5, 2009. It will be graded and recorded. The post test on the correct spelling and definitions is Tuesday, October 6.
2. In Class: We are organizing narrative compostion number two. Write a sequential narrative about an important memory. Select a time in your life that was special to you and memorable. In your spiral, begin organizing the introduction. You will use graphic organizers in class. Include what the event was , who was there, what happened, and why it will be a memory for a long a time. Include your feelings about the event and use words that bring the memory to life for the reader. ( word choice).
Estimated time : The first written draft will be completed by Friday, October 9.
Estimated conferencing, revising, and typed final draft completion.... by October 15.
3. In class: : We will cover four kinds of sentences: declarative interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Instruction will cover fragments, run ons, simple and complete subject and predicate. What are the elements of a complete sentence? These topics will be embedded in the second narrative writing project.
4. Up and coming: Oral reports, listening activity, adventure story, poetry.
1. Homework: Vocabulary List for this week: ambidextrous, ambivalent, archenemy, beneficial, benefactor, biography, cyclone, deform, divide, introduction, deduct, excel, forewarned, parameter, ultraviolet, validity.\
Write the word. Divide the words into syllables, using a dictionary. Write the part of speech, the definition, and a sentence for each word. This work will be checked in class on Friday, October 2 ( It should be at least half completed.)
The completed assignment is due Monday, October 5, 2009. It will be graded and recorded. The post test on the correct spelling and definitions is Tuesday, October 6.
2. In Class: We are organizing narrative compostion number two. Write a sequential narrative about an important memory. Select a time in your life that was special to you and memorable. In your spiral, begin organizing the introduction. You will use graphic organizers in class. Include what the event was , who was there, what happened, and why it will be a memory for a long a time. Include your feelings about the event and use words that bring the memory to life for the reader. ( word choice).
Estimated time : The first written draft will be completed by Friday, October 9.
Estimated conferencing, revising, and typed final draft completion.... by October 15.
3. In class: : We will cover four kinds of sentences: declarative interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory. Instruction will cover fragments, run ons, simple and complete subject and predicate. What are the elements of a complete sentence? These topics will be embedded in the second narrative writing project.
4. Up and coming: Oral reports, listening activity, adventure story, poetry.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Personal Narrative Scoring Guide for Students
Personal Narrative Scoring Guide for Students
4 ( highest) Stronger than Weak.
Ideas: " I can clearly see a picture as I read. The narrative contains many interesting details. The story is good, makes sense to me."
Organization : "This story's beginning, middle, and end are strong. The ideas are well connected to each other. Transition is used effectively."
Voice: "The writing creates a strong reaction in me. It is full of emotion and life. It makes me feel something."
Word Choice: "The narrative uses many visual as well as exciting words. It uses language that is concise and clear."
Sentence fluency: "The length of the sentences vary. When read aloud it sounds natural and flows well."
Conventions: "Use of paragraphs is good. Spelling, grammar, and usage are correct. It is almost ready to publish."
4 ( highest) Stronger than Weak.
Ideas: " I can clearly see a picture as I read. The narrative contains many interesting details. The story is good, makes sense to me."
Organization : "This story's beginning, middle, and end are strong. The ideas are well connected to each other. Transition is used effectively."
Voice: "The writing creates a strong reaction in me. It is full of emotion and life. It makes me feel something."
Word Choice: "The narrative uses many visual as well as exciting words. It uses language that is concise and clear."
Sentence fluency: "The length of the sentences vary. When read aloud it sounds natural and flows well."
Conventions: "Use of paragraphs is good. Spelling, grammar, and usage are correct. It is almost ready to publish."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/ September 16-25
Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/September 16-25.
1. Characterization, Setting, Plot, significant events, and Solution are elements we are analyzing in the common novel, Cracker Jackson. Students are required to post characteristics of Cracker, Alma, Cracker's parents, and Goat in their lit. skills spirals . We will compare and contrast these characters with others from novels we have read and with ourselves. How do you identify with Cracker?? Write a one paragraph final reaction to the characters in the novel, upon completion of reading. This work is due Friday, September 25.
2. Accelerated Reader program---Students have completed the AR/STAR test which will give the teacher a "zone of proximal development" ( reading range) for every student. The AR carts are in every Lit. Skills teacher's classroom. As students complete an AR novel, a test is taken on the computer. Students may complete the tests before school, during lunch, during Lit. Skills , advisory, or L. Arts. class if time permits.
3. Four reading reflections : The biography may be used for this assignment. Four reflections are due on Monday, September 28. Parent/Guardian signs the booklet indicating the student is reading nightly.
4. A biography report sheet was distributed to Lit. Skills students. In the first trimester, it is student's choice. The six levels of critical thinking are on the report form. The first report is due November 9.
5. I have 30 copies of HOOT. We will have differentiated assignments for this novel. Alternative novels will be assigned ranging based on student's zone of proximal development ( reading range.) More information to follow.
1. Characterization, Setting, Plot, significant events, and Solution are elements we are analyzing in the common novel, Cracker Jackson. Students are required to post characteristics of Cracker, Alma, Cracker's parents, and Goat in their lit. skills spirals . We will compare and contrast these characters with others from novels we have read and with ourselves. How do you identify with Cracker?? Write a one paragraph final reaction to the characters in the novel, upon completion of reading. This work is due Friday, September 25.
2. Accelerated Reader program---Students have completed the AR/STAR test which will give the teacher a "zone of proximal development" ( reading range) for every student. The AR carts are in every Lit. Skills teacher's classroom. As students complete an AR novel, a test is taken on the computer. Students may complete the tests before school, during lunch, during Lit. Skills , advisory, or L. Arts. class if time permits.
3. Four reading reflections : The biography may be used for this assignment. Four reflections are due on Monday, September 28. Parent/Guardian signs the booklet indicating the student is reading nightly.
4. A biography report sheet was distributed to Lit. Skills students. In the first trimester, it is student's choice. The six levels of critical thinking are on the report form. The first report is due November 9.
5. I have 30 copies of HOOT. We will have differentiated assignments for this novel. Alternative novels will be assigned ranging based on student's zone of proximal development ( reading range.) More information to follow.
Language Arts/6-1 Team/ September 16-25, 2009
Language Arts/6-1 Team/September 16-25,2009/LaBarbera
1. Narrative Composition #1---Students are to check spelling, add detail, and complete the composition by Friday, September 18. Encourage your child to correct his/her composition as it matches the rubric for evaluation.
FINAL DRAFTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25. This applies to class periods 2, 3, 5 and 6/LaBarbera. If there is no computer access, students have been told to write the final draft in black ink on looseleaf paper. If a student uses a flash drive, the document must be converted to a Microsoft doc., able to print on a Mac.
Homework for the week : Type the final draft of narrative composition 1.
Other: To be announced.
2. Language Network/Grammar
We will be covering four kinds of sentences, subjects and predicates, and distinguishing fragments, run-ons, and complete sentences.
Homework will be assigned and posted here as lessons proceed.
3. The Word Study homework will be graded, recorded, and returned to students . We will cover additional prefixes and suffixes in future lessons. We are building our vocabulary in numerous opportunities. After a writing conference, the student will write words correctly that were misspelled in the draft. Creating a " Word Journal" in the spiral is a result.
4. Units One, Two, and Three of the Pilot Text: "Prentice Hall-Literature" will be covered in the first trimester in the coming weeks.This week we are covering the vocabulary and skill of prediction for the story, "Stray." Students will complete this work in class. Vocabulary is written in the language arts spiral notebook. We will have a pilot test on this material in November.
Next writing project: Assessment: Write a short narrative within two class sessions. We will work on the pre-writing activities about an important memory.This writing will be completed in class and brought to final draft. We will use our new textbooks by Prentice Hall for the writing workshop.
1. Narrative Composition #1---Students are to check spelling, add detail, and complete the composition by Friday, September 18. Encourage your child to correct his/her composition as it matches the rubric for evaluation.
FINAL DRAFTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25. This applies to class periods 2, 3, 5 and 6/LaBarbera. If there is no computer access, students have been told to write the final draft in black ink on looseleaf paper. If a student uses a flash drive, the document must be converted to a Microsoft doc., able to print on a Mac.
Homework for the week : Type the final draft of narrative composition 1.
Other: To be announced.
2. Language Network/Grammar
We will be covering four kinds of sentences, subjects and predicates, and distinguishing fragments, run-ons, and complete sentences.
Homework will be assigned and posted here as lessons proceed.
3. The Word Study homework will be graded, recorded, and returned to students . We will cover additional prefixes and suffixes in future lessons. We are building our vocabulary in numerous opportunities. After a writing conference, the student will write words correctly that were misspelled in the draft. Creating a " Word Journal" in the spiral is a result.
4. Units One, Two, and Three of the Pilot Text: "Prentice Hall-Literature" will be covered in the first trimester in the coming weeks.This week we are covering the vocabulary and skill of prediction for the story, "Stray." Students will complete this work in class. Vocabulary is written in the language arts spiral notebook. We will have a pilot test on this material in November.
Next writing project: Assessment: Write a short narrative within two class sessions. We will work on the pre-writing activities about an important memory.This writing will be completed in class and brought to final draft. We will use our new textbooks by Prentice Hall for the writing workshop.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Language Arts/6-1/LaBarbera/September 8-11,2009
Language Arts/6-1/LaBarbera/September 8-11,2009
Vocabulary: This week students will write words which contain various prefixes. After the pre-test is administered, the list will be posted here. Students are to use a dictionary and write the following: Write the word. Divide the word into syllables. Write the part of speech. Write the first definition of the word. Write a sentence for every word. As challenge, use five of the words in a theme related paragraph. ( A sentence for every word in the list is due. )
Word Study list: antisocial, automobile, autobiography, binoculars, biceps, bifocal, centigrade, centimeter, international, intervene, interpret, monochrome, monocle, monolingual, monologue, monopoly, monosyllabic, monotone, monolith, monophobia. If you cannot find a word in your dictionary,try a Websters or dictionary.com This work is due Wednesday, September 16. Start on the work today.
The post test will require correct spelling, definition, and using the word in the correct context.
Writing: In class, all of the students have completed pre-writing activities for narrative composition number one. A braindrops page and a plan have been completed. All writing will occur in class. Drafts that have been approved will be put to a final typed draft. A five paragraph composition is in progress. The first written draft will be completed by September 17. The typed final draft will be due no later September 25.
Grammar: We will have an introduction to the Language Network text in the upcoming weeks. Four kinds of sentences: Declarative, Interrogative, Imperative, and Exclamatory will be reviewed. Subjects, predicates, and identifying complete sentences vs. fragments will be covered. Homework will be posted here as it is assigned. Our new Language Text will include grammar instruction as well as reading strategies/skills. More information to follow.
Language Arts students will have an orientation to the library on September 11.
A STAR test will be administered in Language Arts class for AR reading level on September 14.
If you need to renew your Oak Park library card, please take care of that. :>)
Vocabulary: This week students will write words which contain various prefixes. After the pre-test is administered, the list will be posted here. Students are to use a dictionary and write the following: Write the word. Divide the word into syllables. Write the part of speech. Write the first definition of the word. Write a sentence for every word. As challenge, use five of the words in a theme related paragraph. ( A sentence for every word in the list is due. )
Word Study list: antisocial, automobile, autobiography, binoculars, biceps, bifocal, centigrade, centimeter, international, intervene, interpret, monochrome, monocle, monolingual, monologue, monopoly, monosyllabic, monotone, monolith, monophobia. If you cannot find a word in your dictionary,try a Websters or dictionary.com This work is due Wednesday, September 16. Start on the work today.
The post test will require correct spelling, definition, and using the word in the correct context.
Writing: In class, all of the students have completed pre-writing activities for narrative composition number one. A braindrops page and a plan have been completed. All writing will occur in class. Drafts that have been approved will be put to a final typed draft. A five paragraph composition is in progress. The first written draft will be completed by September 17. The typed final draft will be due no later September 25.
Grammar: We will have an introduction to the Language Network text in the upcoming weeks. Four kinds of sentences: Declarative, Interrogative, Imperative, and Exclamatory will be reviewed. Subjects, predicates, and identifying complete sentences vs. fragments will be covered. Homework will be posted here as it is assigned. Our new Language Text will include grammar instruction as well as reading strategies/skills. More information to follow.
Language Arts students will have an orientation to the library on September 11.
A STAR test will be administered in Language Arts class for AR reading level on September 14.
If you need to renew your Oak Park library card, please take care of that. :>)
Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/September 8-11,2009
Literacy Skills for 6-1/LaBarbera/September 8-11,2009
1. Students : Bring a copy of the book, HOOT to class by October 1. I will find books in the library and check if we have a set of the books prior to that date. Upon completion of the novel , excerpts of the film, HOOT , will be shown in class. Please send an email if you do not want your child to watch a portion of the film. It is General Audience rated.
2. We will cover Characterization, Setting, Identifying 5 main events, and solution through the realistic fiction novel, Cracker Jackson. In class, we will discuss clues indicating when and where a story takes place. How do you describe a main character in a story? What criteria do you use to identify a " significant event?' Class discussions will surround these questions.
3. Our literature grid contains novels ranging from less challenging to very challenging. As we cover the genre of realistic fiction, novels will be assigned with differentiation in mind. Students will be assigned work but everyone will be reading books within their zone of proximal development ( reading range.)
4. Nightly reading is a requirement. Four reading reflections will be assigned on Tuesday, September 8. The four reflections will be due September 14. The reading reflections cover the novel the student has self selected to read at home. One question on the cover of the booklet should be selected for each of 4 writings. The booklet is to be signed by the student and parent before turning it in for a grade.
5. One biography report per trimester is required. The forms will be distributed in class. Students will select an individual who has overcome obstacles, met challenges, and achieved a goal. For the first trimester, students may select the biography of choice. The second semester will focus on Black History Month. The third trimester biography will focus on Women in History month. Analysis, synthesis, and evaluation , or critical thinking skills, are applied in this project. The first biography report is due by November 9.
1. Students : Bring a copy of the book, HOOT to class by October 1. I will find books in the library and check if we have a set of the books prior to that date. Upon completion of the novel , excerpts of the film, HOOT , will be shown in class. Please send an email if you do not want your child to watch a portion of the film. It is General Audience rated.
2. We will cover Characterization, Setting, Identifying 5 main events, and solution through the realistic fiction novel, Cracker Jackson. In class, we will discuss clues indicating when and where a story takes place. How do you describe a main character in a story? What criteria do you use to identify a " significant event?' Class discussions will surround these questions.
3. Our literature grid contains novels ranging from less challenging to very challenging. As we cover the genre of realistic fiction, novels will be assigned with differentiation in mind. Students will be assigned work but everyone will be reading books within their zone of proximal development ( reading range.)
4. Nightly reading is a requirement. Four reading reflections will be assigned on Tuesday, September 8. The four reflections will be due September 14. The reading reflections cover the novel the student has self selected to read at home. One question on the cover of the booklet should be selected for each of 4 writings. The booklet is to be signed by the student and parent before turning it in for a grade.
5. One biography report per trimester is required. The forms will be distributed in class. Students will select an individual who has overcome obstacles, met challenges, and achieved a goal. For the first trimester, students may select the biography of choice. The second semester will focus on Black History Month. The third trimester biography will focus on Women in History month. Analysis, synthesis, and evaluation , or critical thinking skills, are applied in this project. The first biography report is due by November 9.
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