Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera / Jan. 20-26,2010

Language Arts for 6-1/LaBarbera/Jan. 20-26, 2010

1. Final typed drafts of persuasive composition #2 are due Friday, January 22.
If a student has been absent , an extension is given aligned with the number of days the student was absent.

2. For Wednesday, Jan. 20 homework: Begin the plan to your adventure story using the graphic organizer that was given to you in class today. Refer to the plot diagram and follow the map as you begin to write the story. Due : January 22---The plan for the story is due this Friday.
Students have notes in their language arts spirals about the adventure story: This is a "short" story. We are focusing on basic story elements for story writing. Recommended but not mandated: Include at least 3 characters, 2 settings, and one problem. Demonstrate in your writing the elements of " rising action ( 3 events) , climax ( high point of the story), and falling action ( 3 events ) leading to the resolution or solution to the problem.
Since we have completed 2 narrative and 2 persuasive compositions , veering toward expository writing, the students are eager to write creatively before we plunge into our research paper project in February.
Due: Jan. 25-29----The first half of the written draft of the story should be completed by next Friday.
Due: Feb. 1-4---Complete writing the story. Peer editing will take place in class.
Due: Feb. 5-10---Final typed draft of the adventure story. Extensions are granted per parent request.

3. RESEARCH PAPER ..... PROJECT..... up and coming.
a) Supplies needed: a pack of 4 by 6" index cards, a clear plastic folder, a spiral or composition notebook for the written draft, and reserve the computer and printer you will use for the final typed draft that will be due in mid March.
b. Start writing topic ideas from Science, History, Pop Culture, the Arts, Geography, Environmental issues. Write 5 topics of your interest. Circle the one topic that " fires up" your motivation for the project. Select one topic by Feb. 5. Ms. Nelson, our teacher-librarian at Brooks will guide students through the research process. Ms. LaBarbera will guide students through the writing process.

4. Figurative language will be covered in the pilot text, Literature. We will be covering several units . A final benchmark test will be administered for this book during the middle of May.