Language Arts for January 10-18,2011/LaBarbera/6-1

Language Arts for January 10-18,2011 / La/Barbera/ 6-1

Update: We are working on a persuasive composition in class. Students have completed 2 graphic organizers for the project. A five paragraph composition is assigned with the prompt: "Convince legislators to promote/or not to promote a requirement of elementary and middle school students' attendance at school on Saturday mornings." The prompt is hypothetical, not real. Students have discussed their reasons in cooperative groups . The writing component is completed individually in class. The first written draft should be completed by Jan. 18 in class.
The students will conference , revise, and bring the draft to final typed status by Jan. 25-27.
Homework: ( Skills of grammar are covered daily. Practice will be assigned . )
1. Spelling work and post test are January 14, Friday.
2. Reading Response #2 is due January 18. The prompt is posted on the blog for Jan. 3-10.
"Select a character from the novel you are reading. If you could imagine the "garbage" placed in the can of the main character, what might be thrown out? ticket stubs? evidence? food? clothing scraps ?( Cinderella). Explain your thoughts creatively.
3. Where the Red Fern Grows.. or historical fiction novel assigned. Two projects for the genre are due January 25. See the project options on the Jan. 3 blog. Ask your child for a copy of the options that should be in his/her accordion folder.
4. Novel exam on Where the Red Fern Grows or assigned historical fiction novel.

In class.
We are covering elements of persuasive writing in the Grammar and Writing Text.
We will be covering Chapter 21--The Four Functions of a Sentence. on pages 438-477 in upcoming lessons.
We will be reading "King of Mazy May," "Hard as Nails," and Jackie Robinson, Justice at Last" in the Literature textbook. We are reviewing the skills of drawing conclusions, conflict resolution, fact vs. opinion, and how to read an informational text.
Vocabulary for every story is reviewed prior to reading. We are covering the parts of speech in that activity. Syllabication and proper reading of diacritical marks for pronunciation are covered .