Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Literacy Skills for Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2009/Part One

Literacy Skills for Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2009,Part One.

1. Homework---One extended response is due Monday, Dec. 7.
"Write a characterization of two characters from the novel you are reading. Describe each character thoroughly. Then.... tell how YOU are like or unlike these characters. Include experiences or reactions you have to the characters you described. ( 2-4 paragraphs)
Late work in the second trimester will have reduced points.
2. In class---Students are reading Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry....... Where the Red Fern Grows..... or Island of the Blue Dolphins. All of the students have a list of novel activities.
Due Dec. 11---Vocabulary work--Ten significant words to the novel. Write the definitions and use the words within your projects and discussions.
Due: Dec. 14---Money Earned project.
Due : ongoing----Three predictions and reasons for your historical fiction novel. Include one from the beginning; one from the middle; and one from the end of the book. Insert reasons or evidence to support your prediction.
Due.... Jan. 11,12, 13... Tic Tac Toe projects for your novel.. ( 3). Refer to the rubric for an excellent project.
Students will be expected to complete the AR test and novel exam for the historical fiction novel of choice. All students will participate in a literature circle session as novels are completed.
More information to follow. The written work for the novel must be completed BEFORE the AR test is taken.

Monday, Nov. 30---Class schedule is 1,2,3,7,8,9,4,5,6,and Advisory with 5 rotations for literacy activities.
Tuesday, Dec. 1---First period to 4th period lunch... READ -IN..... then... go to periods 5 and 6. In the afternoon go to Advisory for the P. M. Assembly with the guest author,Chris Crutcher.
After the assembly, go to Advisory until end of day dismissal.

Language Arts/6-1/LaBarbera/Nov. 30-Dec. 4, Part One.

Language Arts/6-1/Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2009-Part One.

1. On Monday, Nov. 30-- In preparation for the author visit, many activities have been planned.
Student schedule sequence is: Class periods 1,2,3, 7,8,9, 4,5,6 ....Then, go to Advisory for session one , followed by 4 additional literacy/story rotations within the school. The activities revolve around the book , The Sledding Hill, by Chris Crutcher.
Your advisor will give you the details for room locations.
2. On Tuesday, Dec. 1-- Go to class period one.... Literacy Skills, where there will be reading of novels and reading activities. This is a " READ IN" for the entire school until 4th period lunch. You will go to your fifth and sixth period classes . At 7th period, you will go to your Advisory class which will be brought to the school auditorium for the assembly with guest author, Chris Crutcher. Mr. Crutcher is the author of " The Sledding Hill."After the one hour assembly, you will return to Advisory until dismissal at 3:30 p.m.

In- Class Language Arts...
a) New word list for Word Study---- Prefix "counter". The list will be given here after the pre-test. Word List: contraband, contradict, contrarian, contrary, contrast, counterbalance, counterclockwise, counterexample, counterfeit, counterintuitive. Write a sentence for each word. A short paragraph or story which includes these words are acceptable.
b)Work on the first written draft of the persuasive composition. Class lessons will cover introductions, tone, audience, and maintaining your position . Details to support your position are strong with research or quoting a source. The first written draft of Persuasive *1 is due December 11. After conference, revision, and approval, the final typed draft is due December 15-18 with extensions open to Jan. 8.
c)Grammar study will continue from Language Network and our Pilot Text: Literature by Prentice Hall. TBA
d) Persuasive speaking--- Upcoming lessons will cover techniques of persuasion --bandwagon and testimonial.
This site will be revised as needed.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Rubric for Extended Responses/Literacy Skills

Rubric for Extended Responses /Literacy Skills

Student-Friendly Rubric:
4 ( highest)------I explain the important information the author stated and the author meant.
I connect the important ideas to my own ideas or experiences.
I include examples and important details to support my explanation.
I use the author's ideas and my own explanation in a balanced way.



Please note whether your direction states that you must write an "extended response." For example, " In an extended response, explain whether the title is appropriate for the story." You can see the words..."extended response." That means you would include examples and details to support your explanation. It also means that you would include your own ideas and experiences.

In the following direction..." Explain how the cowboy's dream began to dissolve. Use details from the text to support your explanation." In this response, you should cite specific details from the beginning, the middle , and the end of the reading passage which support your explanation.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera, Nov. 17-24, 2009

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera, Nov. 17-24, 2009

1. This week we are completing the Prentice Hall Pilot Test for the Literature text.
The scores of the written assessment are posted in the electronic gradebook.
Students will read 3 passages and identify story elements for each. One writing assessment is included. The scantron sheets will be scored after all students complete the test.

2. Due Friday, November 20
Ten sentences which include the vocabulary list containing the prefix, " sub-." Make sure the words are used correctly. Proofread your work. Word list: submerge, subcutaneous, subdue, submarine, subconscious, subway, subordinate, subirrigate, subfreezing, subject. You may use 2-3 words within a sentence as long as they are used in the correct context. Some students are writing a paragraph with 5 words and sentences for the remaining five. We will review the definitions of the words in class.

3. Persuasive Composition #1
For this week through Nov. 24----Select the prompt from the 5 choices given in class.
Take a position. Complete the Braindrops page with words and phrases as part of the plan for the paper. Complete the graphic organizer which contains sentences that will state 3 reasons and their supporting details. Submit your plan.
Upon return from the days off, we will have instruction on introductions, citing statistics, examples, and experiences as supporting details in a persuasive composition. Rubrics will be distributed.

The ISBE website contains the rubrics for persuasive and narrative writing for grade 6.
A Student Writing Checklist for persuasive and narrative writing for Grade 6 are included in the site.
http:www.isbe.net/assessment/writing.htm


4. Up and coming:
Persuasive oral reports.
Adventure story planning and writing.
Adventure poetry writing.

Literacy Skills for November 17-24, 2009/6-1/LaBarbera

Literacy Skills for November 17-24, 2009/6-1/LaBarbera

1. Homework: Read your novel at least 20 minutes per night.
Create one extended response through the week. You will either write on looseleaf paper in black ink ( neatly) OR type your response.
Prompt: Is the title of your novel appropriate to the story? Tell why or why not. As you proceed through the novel, cite words, phrases, or events that solidify the author's choice for the title of the novel.
Note: You may read an AR book for this assignment and /Or.... Island of the Blue Dolphins, Where the Red Fern Grows, or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Due Monday, November 23.

2. Historical fiction is the genre we will study in November-December.
Students are assigned work in class: Find 10 vocabulary words through the book which are significant. Write the words and their definitions.
Write 3 predictions and reasons while reading the novel.
For all students: Complete the "Working For It" project in which you must create a chart of chores showing how you could reach a financial goal. Due : Dec. 14.
Students will be researching related topics to their novels during classtime.
Learn about significant events which took place in the time frame of the novel you have selected.

3. AR tests may be taken before school in the media center ( after 8 a.m.); during lunch activity, during Lit. Skills, and sometimes during Language Arts class. The best way to arrange for a pass is to ask the teacher, "When may I take my AR test today?" ( Responses will vary.)

4. Teacher Read-Aloud is a part of Literacy Skills.
We are reading "The Sledding Hill" in preparation for the author's visit.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/Nov.9-19,2009

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/Nov. 9-19,2009

1. In Class this week:

Study for Nov. 12 retake of Language Arts grammar test if your score on test #1 was below 72%.
Several students are in the school play Thursday morning. Make up the test on Friday.
Homework for Monday, Nov. 9-----Read the rubric. Study the elements for 6 ( Read across.) Study the elements for 5. (Read across the row. )

Up and Coming:
--Persuasive composition writing.
Be able to propose a position on an issue. Cite three distinct reasons. Back up your reasons with research, facts, statistics, and experiences. Be able to present a typed five paragraph persuasive composition. ( November -January.)
--Oral report--Given one minute and forty seconds, persuade your listeners to your point of view. Be prepared. ( How to use note cards correctly.) ( Nov.-December) We will cover public speaking topic in class.
--Prentice Hall/Pearson--Pilot Test --Nov. 17, 18, 19.
--Adventure story writing---Many students are ready to plan their adventure story. Work toward entering your story in the Oak Park School District 97 "Writing Celebration." ( Final drafts are due in early January. More information to follow.