Language Arts---Ms. L. LaBarbera---6-1 Team
2009-2010 School year
Welcome to Language Arts !
Here you are in Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. Are you ready for a writing adventure? Welcome aboard! We will explore the traits of writing: Ideas, Voice, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions, and Presentation. Students will learn the rubric for excellence. In addition we will cover the Illinois Learning Standards for Sixth Grade Language Arts. This includes grammar, writing, and vocabulary. Through an integrated approach, we will learn the elements of good writing and correct grammar, utilizing a rich and varied vocabulary . Your writing skills will build upon what you have accomplished thus far.
The elements of the Writing Process will be covered: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising, Editing, and Publishing . The teacher will model writing techniques, instruct students on correct form, and bring the lessons to increasingly complex projects. Narrative, persuasive, and expository writing will be emphasized. Narrative and persuasive are tested on the ISATs. Creative story writing, poetry, and other forms of writing will be covered.
Materials for this class: Bring at least 2 black/blue pens, spiral notebook, folder, or slot for Language Arts in your accordion folder. Bring your assignment notebook to every class.
Homework will be assigned. Look at this blogspot for regular updates.
How can a parent help his/her student with writing? Encourage the student to proofread his/her work. Check for correct grammar, spelling, vocabulary, tone, punctuation, capitalization, and whether the project follows the direction of the assignment. If a section of the writing contains errors, direct the student to the section and say, " Look at paragraph 3. Check the punctuation again", but do not correct it for him/her. More information to follow.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Literacy Skills-Ms. LaBarbera-Team 6-1
Literacy Skills --Ms. LaBarbera--Team 6-1
First week of School--August 24-28, 2009
Welcome to Literacy Skills class. We will learn reading strategies, read short stories, poems, novels, and discuss literature. Writing responses and reactions to the stories we read will add flavor and zest to our class discussions and literature circles.
Materials to bring to class: Pen, spiral notebook, novel ( as assigned). Set aside a slot in your accordion folder for Literacy Skills. The slot is designated for important handouts/notes and for returning homework.
You will receive information about the STAR test for the Accelerated Reader Program.
We will have an introduction to our school library/media center in the upcoming weeks.
First Unit: Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
Titles will be announced in class.
Story elements: Characterization, Setting, Plot, significant events, and resolution. Through teacher read aloud, short stories, silent sustained reading of novels, and class discussions , we will appreciate literature with understanding.
Novel or theme: To be announced.
Homework will be announced here. We will have lessons covering reading responses and reflections. Practice will take place in class before homework is assigned.
Requirements: Nightly reading ( 20-30 minutes of self selected novel or assigned), reading responses , projects, story mapping, exams ( not always pencil and paper).
This blog will be updated regularly.
First week of School--August 24-28, 2009
Welcome to Literacy Skills class. We will learn reading strategies, read short stories, poems, novels, and discuss literature. Writing responses and reactions to the stories we read will add flavor and zest to our class discussions and literature circles.
Materials to bring to class: Pen, spiral notebook, novel ( as assigned). Set aside a slot in your accordion folder for Literacy Skills. The slot is designated for important handouts/notes and for returning homework.
You will receive information about the STAR test for the Accelerated Reader Program.
We will have an introduction to our school library/media center in the upcoming weeks.
First Unit: Contemporary Realistic Fiction.
Titles will be announced in class.
Story elements: Characterization, Setting, Plot, significant events, and resolution. Through teacher read aloud, short stories, silent sustained reading of novels, and class discussions , we will appreciate literature with understanding.
Novel or theme: To be announced.
Homework will be announced here. We will have lessons covering reading responses and reflections. Practice will take place in class before homework is assigned.
Requirements: Nightly reading ( 20-30 minutes of self selected novel or assigned), reading responses , projects, story mapping, exams ( not always pencil and paper).
This blog will be updated regularly.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Literacy Skills/6-1/LaBarbera/June, 2009
Literacy Skills/6-1/LaBarbera/June, 2009
Congratulations to students who have completed Sixth Grade at Brooks Middle School.
You can be proud of your accomplishments.
1. Summer Reading---Our Lit. Skills classes attended 5 Book Talks with our Teacher-Librarian through this school year. Many books were shared and students had the opportunity to check them out. There are at least 40 books which students are encouraged to read through the summer. Many students enjoy reading the "Maximum Ride" series.... or .. books by Jerry Spinelli.....or James Patterson. The Oak Park Pubic Library houses many of the books we learned about in book talks.
a. Students were told to read a minimum of 7 books this summer. Focus on a topic about which you want to be an expert. Read biographies. Read books in a variety of genre.
b. Characterization analysis--Through the school year, students have analyzed main and minor characters in novels. An " attribute web" involves noting how the character looks, acts, interacts with self and others. How does the character solve problems? Is he or she an antagonist or a protagonist?
c. Literary Analysis---Our extended response writing activities can be carried out in the summer. Read a novel at or above your reading level. Focus on a particular aspect of the book. For example: How does the main character change from the beginning to the end of the book? Write a response that includes what the author stated and your own ideas and experiences
to answer the question. How do you identify with the main character?
d. Log your reading ... Maintain a journal of titles, responses, feelings, and questions that the novels stir in your mind.
e. Our reading adventure was enjoyable in the 2008-2009 school year. It is hoped you will continue to travel to unchartered lands and dreams through reading books.
Congratulations to students who have completed Sixth Grade at Brooks Middle School.
You can be proud of your accomplishments.
1. Summer Reading---Our Lit. Skills classes attended 5 Book Talks with our Teacher-Librarian through this school year. Many books were shared and students had the opportunity to check them out. There are at least 40 books which students are encouraged to read through the summer. Many students enjoy reading the "Maximum Ride" series.... or .. books by Jerry Spinelli.....or James Patterson. The Oak Park Pubic Library houses many of the books we learned about in book talks.
a. Students were told to read a minimum of 7 books this summer. Focus on a topic about which you want to be an expert. Read biographies. Read books in a variety of genre.
b. Characterization analysis--Through the school year, students have analyzed main and minor characters in novels. An " attribute web" involves noting how the character looks, acts, interacts with self and others. How does the character solve problems? Is he or she an antagonist or a protagonist?
c. Literary Analysis---Our extended response writing activities can be carried out in the summer. Read a novel at or above your reading level. Focus on a particular aspect of the book. For example: How does the main character change from the beginning to the end of the book? Write a response that includes what the author stated and your own ideas and experiences
to answer the question. How do you identify with the main character?
d. Log your reading ... Maintain a journal of titles, responses, feelings, and questions that the novels stir in your mind.
e. Our reading adventure was enjoyable in the 2008-2009 school year. It is hoped you will continue to travel to unchartered lands and dreams through reading books.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Language Arts/ 6-1/LaBarbera/ May 26-June 4, 2009
Language Arts/6-1/LaBarbera/may 26-June 4, 2009
1. Final grades will be posted in mygradebook.com . They will include the final narrative composition, oral presentation, and class participation in the grammar lessons, friendly letter activity, and business letter/ envelope writing. Class participation will be evaluated.
2. Students will take home their writing process folders before June 4. The titles of the writing pieces will be on the yellow folder . Parent/ Guardian is asked to sign a note or recycled envelope/paper indicating you have seen the contents of the writing process folder. All of the 6-1 students composed a minimum of 8 writing pieces in LaBarbera's Writing Process classes.
3. The schedule for this week:
May 26-----Field trip. We will return by 9th period.
May 27 ---Awards Assembly + Advisory. Full school day.----Many students will be receiving awards for improved academic work or school awards in the Tribute to Excellence recognition ceremony.
May 28--Full School Day--- Start cleaning out your locker of unrecognizable food, objects, or old papers. Bring the proper school supplies to all of your classes.
May 29----Boat Cruise on the "Spirit of Chicago."---Full day field trip. Dress neatly. Bring a jacket or sweater. Students must remember they represent GBMS when we are on a field trip.
June 1--First three periods of the day----"Career Day" at Brooks.
June 2,3,4---Full days of Classes. Say "Thank you" to your teachers, elective teachers, teaching assistants, lunchroom supervisors, Assistant Principal Henricks , the Principal, and goodbye friends you will not see in the summer.
June 5--One hour of class/advisory. Last Day of school is June 5. :>)
****Make sure you have returned all library books, AR books, text books, and paid any overdue lunchroom fees. You will receive your report card on June 5.---promoted to Grade 7.
***All lockers must be completely empty no later than June 4.
1. Final grades will be posted in mygradebook.com . They will include the final narrative composition, oral presentation, and class participation in the grammar lessons, friendly letter activity, and business letter/ envelope writing. Class participation will be evaluated.
2. Students will take home their writing process folders before June 4. The titles of the writing pieces will be on the yellow folder . Parent/ Guardian is asked to sign a note or recycled envelope/paper indicating you have seen the contents of the writing process folder. All of the 6-1 students composed a minimum of 8 writing pieces in LaBarbera's Writing Process classes.
3. The schedule for this week:
May 26-----Field trip. We will return by 9th period.
May 27 ---Awards Assembly + Advisory. Full school day.----Many students will be receiving awards for improved academic work or school awards in the Tribute to Excellence recognition ceremony.
May 28--Full School Day--- Start cleaning out your locker of unrecognizable food, objects, or old papers. Bring the proper school supplies to all of your classes.
May 29----Boat Cruise on the "Spirit of Chicago."---Full day field trip. Dress neatly. Bring a jacket or sweater. Students must remember they represent GBMS when we are on a field trip.
June 1--First three periods of the day----"Career Day" at Brooks.
June 2,3,4---Full days of Classes. Say "Thank you" to your teachers, elective teachers, teaching assistants, lunchroom supervisors, Assistant Principal Henricks , the Principal, and goodbye friends you will not see in the summer.
June 5--One hour of class/advisory. Last Day of school is June 5. :>)
****Make sure you have returned all library books, AR books, text books, and paid any overdue lunchroom fees. You will receive your report card on June 5.---promoted to Grade 7.
***All lockers must be completely empty no later than June 4.
Literacy Skills/6-1/LaBarbera/May 26-June 4, 2009
Literacy Skills/ 6-1 / LaBarbera/May 26-June 4, 2009
1. The Science Fiction futuristic projects were presented in class on Friday, May 22. Creativity, originality, and visionary qualities were apparent. The grades will be posted under " Projects" in mygradebook.com
2. Please return all of the "White Mountains" novels to the box . Make sure your name is crossed off for returning the book.
3. Read a second sci-fi, fantasy, or genre of choice novel .
4. The AR points will be included in the "Independent Reading" grade in Lit. Skills.
5. A recommended reading list will be placed in your report card envelope on June 5.
Other recommendations:
An Oak Park library card is a school supply requirement. Take care of that this summer.
Read good literature. Write about it. Become an expert about a subject. Read.
1. The Science Fiction futuristic projects were presented in class on Friday, May 22. Creativity, originality, and visionary qualities were apparent. The grades will be posted under " Projects" in mygradebook.com
2. Please return all of the "White Mountains" novels to the box . Make sure your name is crossed off for returning the book.
3. Read a second sci-fi, fantasy, or genre of choice novel .
4. The AR points will be included in the "Independent Reading" grade in Lit. Skills.
5. A recommended reading list will be placed in your report card envelope on June 5.
Other recommendations:
An Oak Park library card is a school supply requirement. Take care of that this summer.
Read good literature. Write about it. Become an expert about a subject. Read.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Literacy Skills for May 4-22, 2009/ 6-1/LaBarbera
Literacy Skills for May 4-22, 2009/ 6-1 /LaBarbera
1. Copies of The White Mountains by John Christopher were distributed today. Students are responsible for reading the novel and returning it to the Media Center box in the classroom no later than May 22. Predictions, reactions, and character analysis will be included. We will have several futuristic discussions in class.
2. See April 23-May 1 Lit. Skills post--PROJECT--Due May 22, 2009.
Science Fiction project: Select from choices given--Either design a communication device OR design futuristic clothing. Include all of the details: functions, cost, user-friendly? , and advertisement. Be prepared to present the project in class on Friday, May 22.
3. Independent Reading---Students will continue reading independently through the end of the school year. Thirty minutes of reading are expected. AR tests are part of independent reading . The Scholastic Book Fair will be at GBMS during the week of May 18-21, 2009
Up and Coming:
Make sure you return all of the library books you checked out from the school media center no later than May 29. Your report card is held for a week when you still have books checked out.
If you borrowed science, social studies, math, or language arts text books, they are due back to school by at least May 29.
1. Copies of The White Mountains by John Christopher were distributed today. Students are responsible for reading the novel and returning it to the Media Center box in the classroom no later than May 22. Predictions, reactions, and character analysis will be included. We will have several futuristic discussions in class.
2. See April 23-May 1 Lit. Skills post--PROJECT--Due May 22, 2009.
Science Fiction project: Select from choices given--Either design a communication device OR design futuristic clothing. Include all of the details: functions, cost, user-friendly? , and advertisement. Be prepared to present the project in class on Friday, May 22.
3. Independent Reading---Students will continue reading independently through the end of the school year. Thirty minutes of reading are expected. AR tests are part of independent reading . The Scholastic Book Fair will be at GBMS during the week of May 18-21, 2009
Up and Coming:
Make sure you return all of the library books you checked out from the school media center no later than May 29. Your report card is held for a week when you still have books checked out.
If you borrowed science, social studies, math, or language arts text books, they are due back to school by at least May 29.
Language Arts for 6-1 Team/ May 4-May 20, 2009
Language Arts for 6-1 Team/May 4-May 20, 2009
1. Grammar Test---Adverbs, Adjectives, Making Comparisons, Identifying nouns as predicate adjectives, Identify words that are modified. This test is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
We will continue instruction through June 4 , covering prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
2. Writing Process---Draft in progress--- "Advice for Incoming Sixth Graders." The student will plan and compose a five paragraph narrative composition which includes 3-5 pieces of advice for incoming sixth graders. The student will conference with classmates for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, paragraphing, and capitalization. Correct your draft! Final typed draft of the composition is due May 18-20.
3. Other types of writing--Students will receive instruction for writing friendly letters, letters of complaint, letters of compliment, and how to address an envelope.
4. Story writing----TBA.
A variety of sources will be shared for students to send their writing-- Contests, critiques,
and/ or publication of favorite writing pieces .
1. Grammar Test---Adverbs, Adjectives, Making Comparisons, Identifying nouns as predicate adjectives, Identify words that are modified. This test is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
We will continue instruction through June 4 , covering prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections.
2. Writing Process---Draft in progress--- "Advice for Incoming Sixth Graders." The student will plan and compose a five paragraph narrative composition which includes 3-5 pieces of advice for incoming sixth graders. The student will conference with classmates for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, paragraphing, and capitalization. Correct your draft! Final typed draft of the composition is due May 18-20.
3. Other types of writing--Students will receive instruction for writing friendly letters, letters of complaint, letters of compliment, and how to address an envelope.
4. Story writing----TBA.
A variety of sources will be shared for students to send their writing-- Contests, critiques,
and/ or publication of favorite writing pieces .
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