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.